DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Tensions escalated dramatically Wednesday as Iran launched missile strikes against multiple targets after the United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian territory, blaming Tehran for the downing of an American military helicopter. Iran’s retaliation included attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, marking a dangerous expansion of hostilities that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Iran conflict.
Iran targeted locations across Bahrain and Kuwait, prompting both nations to activate warning systems and deploy air defense systems. Jordan confirmed its forces intercepted five missiles that Iran directed at an air base where U.S. military personnel are stationed.
The conflict, which began when the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, has created ripple effects across the global economy, pushing energy costs higher worldwide and increasing the price of essential goods like food.
Diplomatic efforts to transform the April ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement have stalled, complicated by Israel’s expanding military operations in Lebanon targeting the Iranian-supported militia Hezbollah.
The helicopter incident and subsequent U.S. military response have put additional pressure on the ceasefire just one day after Iran and Israel engaged in direct combat for the first time since the fragile truce began. Iranian state media reported Tuesday that Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of at least two personnel from the country’s air-defense forces.
U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft carried out the strikes against Iran, according to the U.S. military’s Central Command, focusing on “air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites.” Iran confirmed strikes occurred near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island but provided no information about casualties or damage.
“The operation was a proportional response to recent attacks on U.S. forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters,” Central Command said.
Iran’s top diplomat warned that foreign military forces operating near its borders “are at constant risk” and promised retaliation for the latest U.S. strikes.
Iranian forces “will leave no attack or threat unanswered,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X. “Leave our region if you want to be safe.”
Jordan confirmed Wednesday that it successfully intercepted five incoming missiles from Iran, which Iran said were aimed at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. The facility has previously housed American F-35 fighter jets and other military aircraft.
Jordan’s state-run Petra news agency published the military’s statement, noting that no personnel were harmed in the attack and that bomb disposal experts had analyzed debris from the intercepted missiles.
A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz after striking an Iranian drone, according to a U.S. official who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
Officials have not determined whether the collision was deliberate, and formal statements indicate the incident remains under review. CNN, CBS News and other media outlets previously reported the collision.
In an unprecedented rescue operation by American forces, a drone boat retrieved two crew members at 3:30 a.m. local time Tuesday, approximately two hours after their helicopter went down during a patrol mission off Oman’s coast, U.S. Central Command reported.
Trump confirmed both service members were “safe and uninjured.”
The U.S. personnel were located and recovered by a drone boat that transported them to another maritime location, where a helicopter completed their evacuation, explained Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command.
According to Hawkins, this marked the first documented drone rescue operation at sea conducted by the U.S. military.
AH-64 Apache helicopters serve as crucial equipment for American forces enforcing a blockade on Iranian oil shipments and tankers, designed to pressure Tehran toward a negotiated settlement. The United Arab Emirates has also deployed these helicopters to intercept Iranian drones.
Prior to blaming Iran for the U.S. helicopter loss, Trump voiced renewed hope regarding negotiations with Iran, though he did not explain the basis for his optimism.
Mediators, primarily led by Pakistan, have spent weeks attempting to finalize an agreement. Nevertheless, both Iran and the U.S. maintain inflexible negotiating positions.
The U.S. seeks Iran’s surrender of its highly enriched uranium stockpile, believed to be buried following American airstrikes during the 12-day conflict in 2025. Iran rejects this demand while insisting on sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets before any final agreement, conditions Trump has rejected.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah remains a central concern for Iran. Lebanon’s army chief, Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, visited Pakistan on Tuesday, meeting with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who plays a significant role in Iran-U.S. negotiations.
Haykal’s trip occurs as Lebanon’s government adopts a tougher stance toward Hezbollah while remaining unable to dismantle the influential militia. Hezbollah expressed gratitude to Iran on Tuesday for attacking Israel “in defense of our Lebanese people,” suggesting Lebanon’s government should use this moment to strengthen ties with Tehran.
