Tehran/Washington: The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered its 10th consecutive day, with fresh US airstrikes targeting Iran's Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Chabahar and Konarak, further escalating tensions across the region.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had retaliated by striking US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. The IRGC later issued a second statement claiming additional attacks on US facilities in Kuwait, including the Ahmad Al Jaber Air Base, and said it had destroyed early-warning radar systems, missile defence radar, Patriot defence systems and air defence satellite communication infrastructure, according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency.
Iran said the attacks were aimed at neutralising regional radar surveillance ahead of further missile and drone operations.
Amid the escalating hostilities, reports also emerged of major fires aboard two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed that an unidentified object struck an oil tanker near Lima off the coast of Oman while it was transiting the strategic waterway. The vessel's crew abandoned the ship and moved to lifeboats, according to the company's chief security officer.
The US State Department has issued a global security advisory, warning American citizens of heightened risks linked to the conflict. It cautioned US nationals in the Middle East about possible travel disruptions, flight cancellations and airspace closures, while advising those elsewhere to avoid travel to or through the region. It also warned that US diplomatic missions abroad could face attacks from Iran or allied groups.
Despite the continuing hostilities, reports of mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran eased oil markets slightly. Brent crude fell 0.4% to $88.87 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate remained unchanged at $82.47 per barrel.