US strikes southern Iran, Iran retaliates against Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Syria

Iran reportedly launched missile strikes against targets in Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Syria on Thursday, describing the attacks as retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes against Iranian facilities in the Middle East. Iranian state media released footage of the missile launches and claimed that the selected sites were linked to U.S. military operations, though officials in the affected countries have not yet confirmed the extent of any damage or casualties.

The retaliatory action follows a series of escalating confrontations that began earlier this month when U.S. forces carried out precision strikes on Iranian-backed militia positions in Iraq and Syria. Regional governments have condemned the escalation, urging restraint while diplomatic channels remain active. The United Nations has called for an emergency meeting to assess the situation and prevent further destabilization of an already volatile region.