US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: Multiple explosions reported across Iran; IRGC targets two vessels in Hormuz

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone conversations overnight with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and Turkey to discuss the latest regional developments following US strikes on southern Iran.

According to the report, the ministers reviewed the rapidly evolving situation amid continued military exchanges between Iran and the United States.

Araghchi condemned the US strikes as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while stressing Iran’s “legitimate right to self-defence” and its retaliatory actions against what Tehran described as aggressors.

Iran’s foreign ministry has warned that neighbouring Gulf countries carry a “legal and moral responsibility” to prevent American and Israeli strikes as tensions continue to escalate between Tehran and Washington.

In a statement, the ministry said regional states, particularly those along the southern shores of the Persian Gulf must ensure their territory or facilities are not used to “plan, organise, execute or support” hostile actions against Iran.

Iran’s foreign ministry has called the latest US strikes on Iranian territory a 'clear violation' of national sovereignty, warning that countries hosting US forces in the Middle East could become targets if attacks continue.

A ministry statement said Iran’s armed forces have already “inflicted heavy damage on US bases and assets in the region”, adding that Tehran “will not hesitate to target the source of attacks.”

The statement comes after Iran launched strikes on targets in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan on Wednesday, following earlier US strikes on Iranian sites near the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington described as retaliation for the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter.

Meanwhile, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has held phone calls with counterparts in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, according to the foreign ministry, as diplomatic contacts continue alongside the escalating military exchanges.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that it has launched a drone attack on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and a military airbase in Jordan hosting US personnel, in retaliation for earlier US strikes on southern Iran.

Jordan’s military said it shot down five missiles fired from Iran, while Kuwait’s armed forces reported it was intercepting hostile aerial targets. Air raid sirens were also activated in Bahrain amid the reported attacks.

Earlier, Iran said US forces struck several locations in southern Iran, including the Sirik region, where it confirmed the destruction of two water tanks.

The US military has described its latest operations in Iran as “self-defense” and a “proportional response”, following earlier Iranian actions, including the reported downing of a US Apache attack helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Israeli military said that it has carried out strikes on Hezbollah rocket launcher positions and “infrastructure” used to launch attack drones in southern Lebanon’s Tyre region and several other areas.

According to the statement, six sites in Tyre were targeted, while additional “loaded and ready-to-launch” missile and rocket launchers were struck at other locations across southern Lebanon.

Alongside the claims, the military released grainy aerial footage purporting to show airstrikes hitting houses and rural terrain in the targeted areas of Lebanon.

The US has indicated that it has stopped or completed its latest operation, signaling a potential pause in direct military action following the recent cycle of strikes.

On the Iranian side, there has been no formal announcement of cessation, but diplomatic and security assessments suggest that neither side is currently seeking a full-scale war in the region, Al-Jazeera reported.

The coming hours are expected to be crucial in determining whether the situation stabilizes or deteriorates further, particularly around whether Washington absorbs the latest Iranian response or chooses to escalate again.

Iran has retaliated against overnight US strikes by targeting American forces in Jordan, with the IRGC describing it as the latest phase of its response campaign, Al Jazeera reported.

Tehran claimed that the action followed US attacks on multiple sites near the Strait of Hormuz, including Jask, Qeshm Island, Minab, Bandar Abbas and Sirik.

Iranian officials vowed to maintain what they called a deterrence strategy against the United States and Israel.

While, Washington said it struck radar and communications facilities, Iran claimed water infrastructure and communications centres were hit. The full extent of the damage on either side remains unclear.

Israeli settlers have set fire to fields in the Taybeh in the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian news outlet, Al-Jazeera reported.

Militant group Hezbollah claimed that it launched a series of drone, missile and rocket attacks targeting Israeli military personnel, armoured vehicles and command posts across southern Lebanon.

According to statements issued, the group said its forces repeatedly targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and armour in the Lebanese towns of Biyyada, Rachaf, al-Qawzah, and Qantara, Al- Jazeera reported.

Hezbollah also reported using a surface-to-air missile to turn back an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over Iqlim al-Tuffah and launched explosive drones at the Ras an-Naqoura, known to Israelis as Rosh HaNikra, naval site.

Jordan shot down five incoming missiles launched by Iran targeting air base that hosts US forces.

According to state-run Petra news agency in a military statement it said there were no injuries in the attack and that explosives experts had examined the debris from the interceptions.

Iran said it targeted the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. That air base has hosted American F-35 fighter jets and other aircraft.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted four sites at the US-linked Al Azraq base in Jordan using long-range missiles. The IRGC described the attack as part of a broader retaliatory operation, claiming it had struck 21 US air and naval targets across the region and downed a US MQ-9 drone over Iranian airspace.

Jordan later said it intercepted five missiles headed towards the Al Azraq area. US and Jordanian authorities have not confirmed Iran's claims regarding damage to the base.

Jordan's armed forces said they intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran towards the Al Azraq area on Wednesday. The military said debris from the interception operation fell inside Jordanian territory but caused no injuries or material damage. The development comes amid escalating tensions in the region following Iran's retaliatory strikes against US-linked military targets.

Bahrain’s interior ministry said that the sirens blared in the country for the second time in the past hour. The sirens were activated by government for citizen to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place”.

Kuwait's military said its air defence systems were actively intercepting "hostile aerial targets" on Wednesday amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

In a statement posted on X, the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army urged residents to follow security and safety instructions issued by authorities and rely only on official sources for information. The development comes as Iran and the United States exchange threats and military actions across the region.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its Aerospace Force launched long-range solid-fuel missiles at an airbase in Jordan that hosts US military personnel.

The IRGC claimed the strike hit four key targets, including F-35 fighter jet hangars and a command-and-control centre. It described the attack as part of a wider retaliatory operation targeting US military assets across the region. There has been no immediate confirmation from Jordanian or US authorities regarding the claimed damage.

Over 16 explosion sounds were heard in Bahrain. According to Iraqi media, several Iranian missiles were seen heading towards Bahrain.

According to Al-Jalzera, IRGC also confirmed that the US launched attacks against several locations in southern Iran’s Jask, Sirik, and Qeshm Island, damaging a telecommunications tower and destroying two water tanks in Sirik’s Bemani district

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it launched a drone attack targeting the headquarters of the US 5th Fleet in Bahrain, hours after American forces carried out strikes on targets inside Iran.

Bahrain's interior ministry has urged people 'to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place' as sirens were activated across Bahrain.

Oil prices rose nearly 1%, recovering from a seven-week low after fresh US military strikes on Iran and signs of tightening crude supplies. Brent crude futures climbed 83 cents, or 0.9%, to $92.29 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 68 cents, or 0.8%, to $88.97.

The rebound was driven by renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and market data showing another significant drop in US crude inventories, raising concerns over global supply availability.

Fresh explosions were reported in Iran's southern Jask county on Wednesday, according to Iranian media, amid escalating tensions in the region.

Iran's Tasnim news agency said local sources, residents and people in surrounding villages reported hearing the sound of explosions in the area.

The report noted that this was the second round of explosions heard in Jask since the early hours of Wednesday morning.

No immediate details were provided on the cause of the blasts, possible casualties or damage.

Jask lies along the Gulf of Oman near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and has been at the centre of heightened military activity following recent US strikes on targets in southern Iran.

The latest reports came hours after Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and other locations in southern Iran, raising concerns over further escalation in the region.

Iran's football federation has accused the United States of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup group-stage matches after allegedly revoking its allocation of tickets.

In a statement, the federation said: “With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup … the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team’s three group stage matches.”

The allegation comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have intensified following recent military and political disputes.

Iran claimed the move would restrict its fans' ability to support the national team during the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States.

The United Nations has dispatched its special envoy for the Middle East conflict, Jean Arnault, to Washington for consultations as diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran continue.

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said Arnault was in the US capital for meetings with government officials and other stakeholders as part of his "ongoing consultations" on regional developments.

According to Haq, the discussions are taking place "in the context of Pakistani-mediated negotiations between the United States and Iran", which aim to reduce tensions and advance a broader diplomatic settlement.

Arnault is also working to support "regional efforts to advance relations grounded in full respect for national sovereignty and mutual security", Haq said.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and the United States, even as diplomatic channels remain active.

Since being appointed in March, Arnault has travelled extensively across the region, including visits to Tehran, and has participated in Pakistan-mediated negotiations in Islamabad aimed at facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

Several consecutive explosions were heard in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, according to Iranian state media.

The reports did not immediately provide details on the cause of the explosions, the locations affected or any casualties and damage.

Bandar Abbas is Iran's main port on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes.

The reported blasts came amid rapidly escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following US military strikes on targets in southern Iran in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter. Iranian officials have warned that any aggression against the country would be met with a response.

Iran issued a stern warning to the United States following American strikes on targets in southern Iran, saying any attack or threat against the country would be met with a response.

In a post on X, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the U.S. opted to test our determination.”

The statement added: “Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered.”

Tehran also warned Washington against maintaining a military presence in the region, saying: “Leave our region if you want to be safe.”

Referring to the strategic waters of the Gulf, the statement further said: “History of the Persian Gulf has many chapters on dire fates of intruding outsiders.”

Iranian state media reported that US air attacks on targets in southern Iran had ended and that the situation was now "calm" following the strikes.

According to the reports, the US attacks targeted Qeshm Island, Sirik, Jask and Kuh-e Mobarak, all located near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The update came after the United States announced that CENTCOM forces had launched what it described as "self-defense strikes" against Iran in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter.

Iranian media did not immediately provide details on casualties or damage resulting from the strikes but said the attacks had concluded and that conditions in the affected areas were stable.

The developments marked a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Iran having earlier warned that any military action linked to the helicopter incident would draw a "decisive response."

US President Donald Trump said the United States was carrying out military strikes on Iran in response to the downing of a US helicopter, describing the operation as a powerful retaliation.

Speaking to ABC News, Trump said: “I think it’s very important to respond. They shot down a helicopter, and we are responding as we speak.”

He added: “I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that’s what this one is.”

Trump's comments came after the US military announced that forces under US Central Command (CENTCOM) had launched what it described as self-defence strikes against Iran following the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation marked a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, despite earlier remarks from Trump in which he downplayed the helicopter incident and said it "wasn't a big deal."

Iran has denied deliberately targeting the aircraft and previously warned that any military action justified by the helicopter crash would trigger a "decisive response." The latest exchange has heightened concerns about a broader confrontation in the Gulf region.

The United States launched what it described as self-defence strikes against Iran on Tuesday, hours after Iranian state media reported explosions on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement from the US military, forces under US Central Command (CENTCOM) began carrying out strikes at 5 p.m. ET on the orders of President Donald Trump.

“US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 pm ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a US Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.”

Earlier, Iranian state media reported that explosions had been heard on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz.

The strikes marked a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran following the downing of a US Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had previously denied deliberately targeting the aircraft, with a senior Iranian official saying Tehran was not responsible for the incident.

The latest US action came despite President Donald Trump earlier describing the helicopter episode as "wasn't a big deal", while also warning that the United States would respond to the attack.

Iran had earlier warned that any military action taken under the pretext of the helicopter crash would trigger a "decisive response", according to Iranian state media citing a military source.

Iran has warned that any renewed military action against the country under the pretext of the recent US Apache helicopter crash would be met with a strong response.

According to Iranian state media, citing a military source, Tehran said it was monitoring developments surrounding the incident and cautioned against any attempt to use the crash to justify hostile actions.

The source said that in the event of renewed "hostility by the enemy" linked to the helicopter incident, Iran would deliver a "decisive response."

The warning came amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following the downing of a US Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said Tehran did not deliberately target the US Apache helicopter that went down over the Strait of Hormuz, distancing the country from the incident amid heightened regional tensions.

Ravanchi said Iran was not responsible for the attack that brought down the aircraft, according to Al Jazeera.

The deputy foreign minister added that while Iran was not behind the incident, such events could occur "intentionally" because of the volatile security situation in the region.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump initially said the United States would respond to the attack before later downplaying the incident, describing it as "wasn't a big deal" and saying the helicopter's crew was safe and receiving medical care.

The circumstances surrounding the helicopter's downing remain unclear, with US authorities yet to provide a detailed account of what caused the aircraft to go down over one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

US President Donald Trump sought to downplay the downing of a US military helicopter, describing the incident as "wasn't a big deal", even as he earlier warned that Washington would respond.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump said: “The pilot is fine.” He added that the circumstances surrounding the incident were “much different than you think”, but did not provide further details.

The helicopter's crew was reported to be receiving medical treatment and was in stable condition.

Trump's remarks came after he posted on Truth Social that the United States would respond to the attack.

“The United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he wrote.

The comments highlighted a contrast between Trump's public warning of retaliation and his later effort to minimise the significance of the helicopter incident. US officials have not yet released additional details about the circumstances of the attack or the nature of any potential response.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated Tehran's long-standing position that the Strait of Hormuz is jointly controlled by Iran and Oman, pushing back against the US view that the strategic waterway constitutes an international passage.

In his latest statement, Araghchi said, “The Strait of Hormuz is NOT international waters but shared between Iran and Oman, and located thousands of miles from US shores. Maritime boundaries are crystal clear.”

The comments came amid heightened tensions over navigation and maritime security in the Gulf, where the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical energy transit routes.

At its narrowest point, the strait is about 21 nautical miles (39km) wide and lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. Tehran argues that this gives the two countries legal authority over the waterway and the ability to regulate traffic passing through it.

The United States rejects that interpretation, maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz is an international transit route through which freedom of navigation must be preserved because of its importance to global trade and energy supplies.

India’s tea exports came under pressure in April due to West Asia geopolitical tensions linked to US-Iran hostilities, though overall FY26 shipments remain higher year-on-year. The Tea Board said volumes fell in recent months but expects recovery if conditions stabilise. Export earnings hit a record Rs 8,718.83 crore, supported by higher prices and diversification into new markets like China and Africa.

Six countries — Australia, the UK, Canada, France, Norway and New Zealand — have jointly imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlers, settler organisations and officials linked to violence in the occupied West Bank, escalating international pressure on Israel. France separately barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, while other measures target individuals accused of promoting settlement expansion and attacks on Palestinians. Israel condemned the move as “disgraceful,” saying it would be counterproductive, as tensions grow over settlement activity and violence in the occupied territory.

Christian leaders in Lebanon’s coastal city of Tyre have urged urgent international intervention after an Israeli evacuation warning triggered mass displacement from the Christian quarter. Airstrikes in nearby areas killed at least eight people, according to health authorities. The clergy warned of severe consequences, saying, “The old city is not merely a residential area.”

"I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter," he said on TruthSocial.

US Vice President JD Vance said the United States and Israel share many common interests, but acknowledged that the two allies do not always see eye-to-eye on every issue, particularly regarding efforts to reach a long-term nuclear agreement with Iran.

Speaking to Fox News, Vance said recent developments had created an opportunity for diplomacy with Tehran and expressed confidence in President Donald Trump's approach.

"Thanks to what's happened over the last few months, but really over the last year and a half, we've created the space necessary where the president believes — and I think he's right — that we can get the long-term settlement to Iran's nuclear issue," Vance said.

He added that while Israel may or may not support such an agreement, Washington's priority is what it considers to be in the best interests of the United States.

"Israel may like that, they may not like that, but fundamentally we think this is in the best interest of the United States of America," he said.

The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFRI) on Tuesday stated that its share of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets was withdrawn shortly before the tournament, leaving supporters who had already booked trips without access to their team's matches, reported Reuters.

According to the Iranian football federation, it had already begun selling tickets allocated to it for World Cup fixtures, but the distribution was later revoked. The federation said that as a result, several Iranian fans who had relied on the official ticketing process and completed travel bookings are now unable to attend the matches.

"One hundred days have passed since the national jihad that rose up to preserve the lifeblood of Iran. God's greetings upon you who warmed Iran's back, disheartened the enemy, and pulled the country from the jaws of ferocious wolves that had bared their teeth to force the submission of Islamic Iran. Long live Iran, and long live the resistance of the great Iranian nation," said speaker of Islamic Republic of Iran’s Parliament MB Ghalibaf on X.

Lebanon's health ministry said at least eight people were killed and 32 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the southern city of Tyre on Tuesday. The ministry said the casualty figures were preliminary and could change as rescue efforts continued.

The strike occurred shortly before the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning covering Tyre and nearby areas, urging residents to leave ahead of planned operations. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported the airstrike before the warning was announced.

In a statement on X, he said, "All attacks must stop immediately. The ceasefires in Lebanon, Iran & Gaza must be fully respected. Any steps that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts must be avoided. I'm also deeply concerned by Israel's decision to close crossings into Gaza & reiterate my call for the immediate reopening of all crossings to ensure the rapid, safe & unhindered passage of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza. The exercise of navigational rights & freedoms, in accordance with international law, must be respected. Everyone must uphold their obligations under international law & take all feasible precautions to protect civilians. There is no military solution to the conflicts in the Middle East. The only way forward is through dialogue & negotiations. I urge all concerned to work towards diplomatic solutions that advance regional & international peace & security."

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that two crew members aboard a US Apache attack helicopter were safe after being rescued from the Strait of Hormuz following a crash in the strategically important waterway.

According to the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM), a US Navy surface drone located and rescued the two personnel from waters in the Iranian-controlled strait.

The rescue operation was completed within about two hours of the incident, and both crew members were reported to be in stable condition, CENTCOM said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, over the phone and discussed the evolving security situation in West Asia, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

During the conversation, PM Modi expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the region and reiterated India's strong condemnation of attacks on Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also underlined the need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability at the earliest.

The Prime Minister thanked the Emir for his personal attention towards the safety and well-being of the large Indian community residing in Kuwait, the statement said.

The call comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with US President Donald Trump recently reiterating that the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place until a definitive agreement is reached with Tehran.

Iran's state TV says at least 2 members of an air defense unit killed in Israeli attacks on Monday.

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Iran and Israel have suspended their reciprocal military operations, temporarily reinstating a fragile, US-brokered ceasefire that originally took effect on April 8. The decision to halt hostilities on Monday followed intense international diplomatic intervention, coming on the heels of a sharp weekend escalation where both capitals exchanged direct missile and drone attacks for the first time in two months.

In an interview with ANI, Iran's Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, addressed the direct question of who first ruptured the volatile peace agreement between the two Middle Eastern adversaries, firmly pointing the finger at Tel Aviv.

"In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. With respect to the violation of the ceasefire, if one follows global daily news, it is crystal clear who broke it. Based on the negotiations held in Pakistan, all parties were to halt hostilities across the entire front," Consul General Motlagh stated.

Elaborating further on the specific catalysts that derailed the previous understanding, the Iranian diplomat stressed that continuous cross-border aggression directed at America's regional partners ultimately exhausted Tehran's strategic patience.

"Aside from the fact that the United States and its allies occasionally carried out attacks against Iran, to which Iran responded, in the case of Lebanon attacks, which were part of the agreement, these attacks unfortunately continued on a daily basis and, in fact, several times a day, eventually bringing Iran's strategic patience to an end," Motlagh explained.

He added that the subsequent Iranian military actions were a direct, calculated reaction following multiple unheeded warnings, stating, "Iran then declared that if the ceasefire agreement were violated, it would respond accordingly. After several rounds of ultimatums, Iran ultimately responded with prior notice and took formal and practical measures to warn and put a rein on Israeli violations."