WASHINGTON – The United States launched a new round of airstrikes on targets inside Iran, while Tehran said it had carried out missile and drone attacks against several sites in the region. The renewed hostilities have further heightened regional tensions and undermined a fragile ceasefire reached in June following months of fighting that claimed thousands of lives.
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he had reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports and threatened to strike power plants and bridges in Iran next week unless Tehran resumes negotiations.
Kuwait announced early Wednesday that its air defence systems had intercepted hostile drones. Authorities also said they had brought under control a fire that broke out at a site targeted in the attacks.
Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles that entered the country’s airspace early Wednesday. Authorities added that the operation resulted in no casualties or material damage.
Meanwhile, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran represented “a major setback.”
In a statement, Türk warned that the return to war undermines peace efforts and deepens regional instability, posing serious risks to human rights across the Middle East.
He called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and fulfil their obligations under international human rights law.
Türk also stressed the need to prioritise diplomacy, restraint and de-escalation, urging an immediate return to a ceasefire between the United States and Iran in accordance with international law.
The renewed conflict has also rattled global energy markets, with benchmark Brent crude rising 15 percent over the past seven days to its highest level since mid-June.