Middle East, June 12 — Mutual military strikes between Washington and Tehran have escalated tensions in the Middle East to a peak. Iran announced attacks on US bases in the region and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Following US air strikes targeting Iran's military infrastructure, Tehran's administration announced the launch of comprehensive retaliatory measures. According to Al Jazeera, the Iranian military has conducted intensive strikes with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against US military facilities located in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan.
A statement from Washington indicated that the US air operation was in response to Iran's attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, for its part, stated it would not leave these strikes unanswered and immediately launched counter-military operations. As part of retaliatory measures, Tehran announced the complete closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic.
Against the backdrop of the risk of military tensions escalating to a regional conflict level, security measures in Gulf countries have been raised to the highest level.
The international community, emphasizing that the emerging crisis will deal a serious blow to the global economy and security, calls on the parties to immediately halt military escalation and exercise restraint.