Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says two vessels caught fire after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions across the Middle East intensify following renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. The latest incident comes as the region remains on high alert after the US military launched a fresh wave of attacks.
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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says two vessels caught fire after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions across the Middle East intensify following renewed fighting between the United States and Iran.
The latest incident comes as the region remains on high alert after the US military launched a fresh wave of attacks against targets in Iran on Tuesday. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes aimed at US-linked positions across several countries in the region.
Iranian media and the IRGC say at least 19 people, including military personnel, were killed in the latest US attacks.
The escalation has raised fresh fears of a wider regional conflict, with key Gulf states and Jordan becoming increasingly involved in the exchange of attacks.
US President Donald Trump has dismissed the prospect of Iran returning to negotiations, saying he is unconcerned about whether Tehran comes back to the negotiating table.
Trump has warned that Iran would face significantly heavier attacks if hostilities continue, saying it would be targeted at a "much harder and higher level".
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, meanwhile, has issued his first public message since fighting resumed following a month of relative calm.
Khamenei said Iran's armed forces had "unforgettable lessons" in store for the United States, signalling that Tehran intends to continue resisting the renewed American military campaign.
The United Arab Emirates has condemned what it described as "hostile attacks by Iran" targeting Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attacks represented a "flagrant violation of sovereignty" and reaffirmed its support for measures intended to protect the security and stability of the affected countries.
The statement reflects growing concern among Gulf states that the latest US-Iran confrontation could spread beyond the two countries and threaten regional security and vital energy infrastructure.
IRGC Deputy Commander Mostafa Izadi said Iran's forces remained fully prepared to respond to any further attacks.
According to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, Izadi said the Revolutionary Guard was "fully prepared against the enemy" and would rely on its missile and drone capabilities to respond to any hostile action.
His comments underline Tehran's determination to retaliate against US military operations and maintain pressure on American and allied positions throughout the region.
The latest escalation follows an attack on a wedding gathering in Iran's southern Sirik county, where at least four people, including two children, were reportedly killed.
Iran has accused the United States of bombing a residential building during the wedding celebration.
The building was reportedly owned by the family involved in the wedding. There has been no independent confirmation that the structure was deliberately targeted, while reports indicate a telecommunications tower was located nearby.
The presence of the tower has raised questions about whether it may have been connected to the US military operation.
US Central Command has said its strikes are directed at IRGC military targets rather than residential areas. However, the deaths of civilians have highlighted the continuing risk of collateral damage as the conflict intensifies.
Iran has since demonstrated its willingness to retaliate against US-linked targets across the region, with strikes reported in four countries.
Tehran has repeatedly warned that American attacks on Iranian territory will carry consequences, while the increasingly forceful rhetoric from Iranian military leaders suggests the confrontation could become even more dangerous.
Despite mounting economic pressure and public concerns over the cost of the conflict, there are currently few signs that Iran's leadership is preparing to back down.
With the United States threatening further military action and Iran promising retaliation, fears remain that the latest escalation could develop into a broader regional war.
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