Iran threatens regional attacks if US intensifies attacks

India’s Directorate General of Shipping ordered shipowners and recruitment companies not to deploy Indian sailors on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz amid new attacks on shipping.

The regulator said the risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz had increased “significantly”.

Two Indian sailors have been killed in attacks on ships in the region in the past three days. at least seven Indian sailors have been killed and several others injured in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict escalated.

“In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region… the directorate considers it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures to protect the interests of Indian seafarers serving on ships operating in the region,” the order said.

With more than 300,000 seafarers working in the global shipping fleet, India is the world’s third-largest supplier of seafarers, according to government data.

Iran’s military on Thursday warned the US against attacking Iranian infrastructure, saying “all infrastructure in the region” would be “destroyed” in response, according to a statement from a spokesman for Iran’s military headquarters.

Calling it a “red line”, spokesman Colonel Ibrahim Zolfaghari said Iran would not allow US “interference” in the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said the US military would begin targeting bridges and power plants next week if Iran does not make a “deal.”

Trump made a similar threat in March to target Iranian civilian infrastructure.

At the height of the conflict before a ceasefire in April, Iran targeted desalination plants and energy infrastructure in Gulf states with drone and missile attacks in retaliation for US tensions.

Jordan’s military said it shot down eight missiles launched by Iran that were headed toward the kingdom, state news agency Petra said.

According to Jordanian officials, the missiles were intercepted before reaching their targets. There were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage.

The incident comes after Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting several US allies in the region, including Bahrain and Kuwait. It also follows an intensification of US military strikes against Iranian targets in the past week.

Iran’s military says it has targeted US military facilities at Azraq air base in Jordan.

According to Iranian state media, the attack was aimed at targeting US military communications systems and fuel storage tanks at the base, which hosts US personnel and operations.

The claim comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran and follows a series of alleged Iranian attacks on US-linked targets across the region.

There was no immediate comment from Jordanian officials or US Central Command.

Air defense systems were activated in parts of Iran’s capital Tehran early Thursday, while explosions were reported in several areas of the country.

According to Iranian state media, explosions were heard in the northern province of Semnan and Lorestan province in western Iran.

These reports come amid ongoing US military strikes on Iranian targets and rising tensions across the region.

State news agency IRNA said no casualties were reported in Tehran, while authorities were still assessing the situation in other affected areas.

The US military says it has completed its latest round of strikes against Iran, which reportedly includes strikes on parts of northern Iran for the first time.

US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said the operation targeted Iranian command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone sites and coastal surveillance facilities. These attacks were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said precision munitions were used against targets in several locations, including the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, which is home to key Iranian naval and Revolutionary Guard facilities.

Earlier in the day, US forces also attacked coastal defense and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island in the Gulf.

The army said that this operation was conducted on the instructions of President Donald Trump.

Bahrain and Kuwait have issued new security warnings as regional tensions rise.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said air raid sirens had been activated and urged people to remain calm, seek shelter and follow official instructions.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military said its air defense system was intercepting hostile drone attacks from Iran. The armed forces said any explosions heard by residents were likely the result of air defense operations and urged the public to follow safety guidance from authorities.

These alerts have come after a series of attacks by America and Iran in recent times.

Iran has claimed attacks on targets in Bahrain, including facilities linked to the US military, while Jordan and Kuwait have also reported intercepting missiles or drones allegedly launched from Iran.

Bahrain and Kuwait both host US military facilities and are on high alert as the confrontation between Washington and Tehran escalates.

US President Donald Trump says Iran has allowed an American citizen detained in the country to leave from 2024.

In a post on his Truth social platform, Trump said the woman, whom he described as “wrongfully detained” during the previous Biden administration, is now safely outside Iran.

“He is now safely outside Iran and in good condition. The United States appreciates this goodwill gesture from Iran,” Trump wrote.

No further details were immediately provided regarding the man’s identity or the circumstances of his release.

Iranian state media reported two explosions east of the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

The reports come after the United States reimposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports, and launched fresh attacks on Iranian coastal defense systems and missile sites.

Iran has described the confrontation with the United States as an “existential war” and warned it could disrupt more regional energy exports.

Stay tuned for the latest developments, analysis and reactions to this fast-moving story.