Tehran responds with tit-for-tat strikes to Washington's attack

Exchange marks major escalation after monthlong lull as Jordan, UAE targeted

Iran struck military targets of the United States in the Middle East on Monday in retaliation for the first US strikes on Iranian territory in a month. The exchange marked a major escalation as the protracted conflict entered its seventh month.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed it launched ballistic missiles at US positions in Jordan in response to Sunday's US assault on Larak Island near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, claiming the assault caused "heavy damage". Jordan's military stated it intercepted eight incoming missiles but did not confirm their source.

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned the renewed US raids on Larak, which it said killed multiple troops and civilians, describing Iran's counterstrikes against Jordan-based installations as a "legitimate act of self-defense".