US hits Iran; missiles target Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan
Why it matters: The exchange put U.S. troop hosts under fire and kept pressure on oil markets, with Brent crude above $92 a barrel.
The United States carried out airstrikes early Wednesday on Iranian air defense, ground control and radar sites, widening the latest round of fighting with Tehran. Hours later, Iran fired at Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, three countries that host U.S. forces, in a move that threatened to further destabilize the region.
U.S. Central Command called the operation a proportional response to recent attacks on American forces and commercial shipping in regional waters. Iran reported strikes near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island but did not detail the damage. Jordan said it intercepted five incoming missiles aimed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which has hosted U.S. aircraft. The renewed exchange also raised fresh concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and global energy supplies.