The United States launches airstrikes on Iran after blaming Tehran for the crash of an American Army helicopter, and Iran retaliates with attacks across the region. U.S. forces strike Iran in the early hours of Wednesday, according to U.S. Central Command, targeting air defense and ground-related sites. In response, Iran fires at locations including Bahrain and Kuwait, where officials report air-raid alerts and air-defense activation. Jordan also reports that it shoots down five missiles Iran fires toward an air base where U.S. forces are present, though the presence and details of the attack are not immediately confirmed by American or Jordanian officials. The escalation comes as U.S. President Donald Trump publicly argues that Iran is delaying negotiations and says it will “have to pay the price.”
The renewed exchanges further complicate efforts to end the war, which began with U.S. and Israel strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Sources also note that the fighting has disrupted global trade and increased energy prices, while governments struggle to convert an April ceasefire into a longer-term agreement amid Israel’s continued campaign in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
