The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran came under renewed strain as both countries exchanged fresh attacks across the Middle East for a second consecutive day, raising fears of a wider regional conflict and pushing global oil prices higher.
The latest escalation saw US forces launch strikes on military and surveillance installations in southern Iran, while Tehran retaliated by targeting American military assets in several Gulf countries. The renewed hostilities have unsettled financial markets and heightened concerns over the security of key energy supply routes.
US Central Command (Centcom) said it carried out what it described as "self-defence strikes" against Iranian military, radar and surveillance facilities.
The attacks followed strong warnings from President Donald Trump, who accused Iran of delaying negotiations aimed at securing a lasting peace arrangement. The White House warned that additional strikes could follow if efforts to reach a peace agreement continue to stall.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against US military facilities across the region.
According to Iranian media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at a US command centre in Jordan. Military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait also reportedly came under attack for the second day in succession.
Bahrain activated air raid sirens during the night, while Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted hostile aerial targets. Kuwait temporarily suspended air traffic operations and closed its airspace as a precaution.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country would resist external pressure and threats, while Tehran accused Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts through conflicting signals.
The latest confrontation has also renewed concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.
Iranian state media reported that two oil tankers were targeted near the strategic waterway and claimed that the strait had been closed to vessel traffic. However, US military officials said commercial shipping continued to move through the route.
The uncertainty surrounding the waterway pushed crude oil prices higher. Brent crude climbed about 2 percent to around $95 a barrel as traders assessed the risk of potential supply disruptions.
The current tensions come despite a ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran in April. Although the truce reduced large-scale hostilities, both sides have continued intermittent exchanges of fire.
Recent diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations have made little progress, while military confrontations have intensified. Earlier this week, a US helicopter was reportedly brought down in an attack blamed on Iran, triggering further retaliatory actions.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the Middle East was moving towards a more dangerous phase of instability.
He urged all parties to return to diplomacy, cautioning that the region risked slipping from a limited conflict into a broader war if hostilities continued.