Tehran, Sep 02 (V7N)- The US-Iran conflict has escalated sharply after the United States launched a series of major airstrikes on Iranian military installations on Tuesday, prompting Tehran to retaliate against US military facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq.

US forces targeted several installations belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The US Central Command said the strikes focused on air-defense systems, radar facilities, naval military infrastructure, mine-laying capabilities and communications networks.

Iranian media reported that US missiles struck areas near the city of Ahvaz. Attacks were also reported near Jiroft Airport in southeastern Iran. Explosions were heard in Chabahar, Bandar Abbas and Asaluyeh, a major gas-producing hub. Iranian state media also reported an explosion on Qeshm Island.

Tehran subsequently announced retaliatory attacks on US military installations in Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq, further raising concerns that the conflict could spread across the region.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Red Crescent said five people were killed and at least 50 others injured in an attack on a wedding gathering near the coastal city of Sirik. Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that a four-year-old child was among those killed, while state news agency IRNA put the number of injured at 68. Washington had not immediately commented on the incident.

The latest escalation is also threatening global energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively restricted traffic through the strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Two oil tankers were reportedly attacked while leaving the strait on Monday.

Oil prices rose by more than $4 a barrel on Tuesday, reaching their highest level in five weeks as markets reacted to the growing risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC warned that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would be tightened following the US strikes. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf also warned that if Tehran is forced to halt oil exports from the Persian Gulf, other countries would not be allowed to export oil through the region.

US President Donald Trump had earlier threatened Iran with further and more severe military action. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant also announced that Washington was preparing additional economic sanctions against Tehran.

END/SMA/AJ