Explosions shake several parts of Iran, state media reports; US denies carrying out new strikes

The United States launched fresh airstrikes on Iranian targets early Thursday, triggering retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran against US-allied countries across the Middle East and raising fears of a renewed regional conflict despite ongoing diplomatic contacts.

The latest escalation came a day after similar exchanges had already strained a fragile ceasefire. On Thursday, the confrontation widened as air raid sirens sounded at least three times in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, while Iran also fired missiles toward Kuwait and Qatar. Sirens were also activated in Jordan, where US forces and military aircraft are stationed.

The renewed hostilities followed US strikes on Iranian targets in response to what Washington said were attacks by Tehran on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in turn, has targeted US military bases across the region on consecutive nights.

Talks continue despite fighting

Despite the latest military exchanges, technical-level talks between the United States and Iran remain underway, according to a US official, signalling that both sides are keeping diplomatic channels open even as violence continues.

The development may ease concerns that the confrontation is heading towards a full-scale war, although the ceasefire remains under severe pressure.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the ceasefire was “over,” but added that he would not stand in the way of continued negotiations.

Negotiations had been briefly delayed this week as Iran observed funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike during the opening phase of the recent US-Israeli military campaign.