Iran has reportedly launched missiles targeting US military bases in Jordan, according to local and Iranian media outlets. The missiles were directed at US installations within the country, with Jordanian air defence systems scrambling to intercept the incoming projectiles. No official confirmation has been forthcoming from the US, Jordan, or Iran.
Escalating Tensions
The latest developments come amid soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran, according to Turkish news agency Anadolu. In recent weeks, the US has carried out strikes on Iran, while Tehran has retaliated by targeting what it describes as US military facilities and equipment throughout the region.
Threat to Strait of Hormuz
On Monday, Iran issued a chilling threat to target European warships in the Strait of Hormuz. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that any European naval vessel entering the strategically vital waterway would be regarded as a "legitimate target". Despite the hardline warning, Gharibabadi indicated Tehran remained receptive to fresh negotiations with the US to "break the cycle of war", but claimed Washington had made no contact over the preceding 15 days. He also described the Strait of Hormuz as "a new defence capacity", signalling that the crucial shipping lane has become a central pillar of Iran's national security strategy. He added: "The world must know that Iran is increasing its defensive tools, and we cannot under any circumstances give up these tools."
Trump's Warning
Earlier on Monday, US President Donald Trump issued a warning that he would destroy power plants and bridges should no agreement be reached between American and Iranian negotiators. Fox News reported him as saying: "If they don't make a deal, then I go back and I finish the job. But that's going to take them forever to rebuild. Already, it'll take them many years to ever to rebuild." Despite Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the war, Trump claimed to have full control over the vital shipping route. He said: "Only ships that we want to get through get through."
