The fragile calm that had prevailed in the Middle East over the past four days collapsed overnight when Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched a ballistic missile attack against a US military base in Jordan.
The United States said all missiles were intercepted, while a few hours later US and Saudi forces carried out joint air strikes in Iraq, leaving at least 10 people dead.
Missile attack on US base in Jordan
According to Axios, the Revolutionary Guards fired ballistic missiles at a US military base in Jordan, marking the first direct resurgence of hostilities after four days of relative calm.
Shortly afterwards, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the attack, stating that multiple ballistic missiles had been launched from Iran in what it described as an "attempted surprise attack" against US forces stationed in the Middle East.
According to the statement, all missiles were successfully intercepted and US forces remain on heightened alert.
The attack came just hours after a meeting at the White House between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Iran featured prominently in discussions.
Joint US-Saudi strikes in Iraq
Following the missile attack, the armed forces of the United States and Saudi Arabia announced that they had carried out air strikes against Iran-aligned paramilitary organisations in Iraq.
The raids targeted positions belonging to the Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces), the former alliance of Shiite paramilitary groups that has since been formally integrated into Iraq's armed forces.
According to two sources within the Popular Mobilisation Forces cited by Agence France-Presse, at least 10 members were killed in the bombardments.
The deadliest attack was reported in Nineveh province in northern Iraq, while concerns have been raised that the death toll may rise further.
Oil prices climb amid market jitters
The latest escalation triggered an immediate reaction in international oil markets, with prices recording strong gains.
At around 04:55 Greek time, US benchmark WTI crude was up 4.72% at $83 per barrel, while Brent crude from the North Sea had gained 4.70% to $88.04 per barrel.
Investors are closely monitoring developments, as renewed confrontation between the US and Iran has heightened fears of further regional instability and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
