The United States has carried out fresh airstrikes inside Iran in response to an Iranian missile attack targeting an American military base in Jordan, significantly escalating tensions between the two countries.

According to the US Central Command, the military operation was launched after what it described as Iran’s attempted attack on US personnel stationed in the Middle East. The command said the strikes began at around 8 pm local time (0000 GMT) and were intended as a direct response to the previous day’s developments.

Trump vows strong response

The military action followed strong remarks from US President Donald Trump, who said Washington would respond forcefully to Iran’s actions.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump warned that the United States would strike Iran “hard” after the missile attack on the American base in Jordan. He also said Tehran’s public acknowledgement of the attack was a mistake.

The latest operation comes days after Trump had paused the US bombing campaign in an effort to allow space for renewed diplomatic negotiations.

Iran says it targeted US military assets

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for military operations targeting American assets in Jordan. According to Iranian media, the operation included an airbase and a command centre.

The US military said all incoming missiles were intercepted and did not report successful strikes on American facilities.

Iranian officials also maintained that resistance would continue as long as what they described as US threats persisted, while urging Washington to stop using threatening rhetoric against the Islamic Republic.

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise

Separately, the IRGC’s naval forces claimed they had intercepted three oil tankers attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz using what Iran described as an unauthorised route.

The development adds to concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors, amid rising military tensions between Washington and Tehran.

At least 13 Indian seafarers are among the 15 crew members stranded aboard cargo vessel M.V. AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, where continued drone and missile attacks have raised serious concerns over their safety.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has described the situation as “life-threatening” and urged the Indian government, shipowners, the vessel’s flag state and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the crew’s safety and arrange their evacuation.

FSUI seeks urgent rescue of stranded Indian crew

In a post on X, the FSUI said the vessel remains trapped at Chornomorsk while repeated drone and missile attacks are taking place in the surrounding area.

According to the union, the crew is living under constant fear of being hit as hostilities continue near the Black Sea port. It appealed for urgent intervention, stating that Indian seafarers should not be left exposed in conflict zones and called for their prompt repatriation.

The union also shared a video, which it said was recorded from the vessel, showing large plumes of smoke rising near the port, underscoring the volatile security situation.

No official response yet

As of the latest reports, neither India’s Ministry of External Affairs nor the shipping company operating the vessel had issued an official response regarding the reported distress of the Indian crew members.

Black Sea security concerns continue

The latest incident comes amid growing risks to commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues.

Earlier this week, India summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, and lodged a strong protest following the death of an Indian seafarer in an attack on a merchant vessel in the Black Sea.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed New Delhi’s serious concern over the incident and strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping.

The merchant vessel MV Omorfi was reportedly struck during Ukrainian drone attacks amid the ongoing conflict, further highlighting the dangers faced by civilian ships operating in the region.

India has summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador after two merchant vessels carrying Indian crew were attacked in the Black Sea, raising concerns over the safety of Indians working in the conflict zone.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incidents as a matter of serious concerns and conveyed India’s position directly to the Ukrainian envoy.

According to the MEA, the attacks took place amid the ongoing Russia-Ukrainian war, where commercial shipping has increasingly come under threat due to military operations. Although no deaths have been reported, several Indian seafarers were on board the affected vessels, prompting the government to seek immediate clarification from Ukraine and stress the need to ensure their safety.

During the meeting, the MEA reiterated that merchant ships engaged in commercial trade and civilian crew members must not become targets during armed conflict. India urged Ukraine to take all possible steps to prevent such incidents and to uphold international maritime law, which protects civilian shipping operating in international waters.

The ministry said it is in constant contact with Indian missions abroad, shipping companies, and maritime authorities to monitor the condition of Indian crew members. Officials have assured that diplomatic and consular assistance for the crew.

The attack have once again highlighted the dangers faced by thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international cargo vessels operating in conflict-affected regions. The continuing war has disrupted shipping routes in the Black Sea, creating risks for commercial trade and the safety of multinational crews.

The latest diplomatic move reflects India’s consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While maintaining relations with both countries, India has repeatedly called for dialogue, a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the protection of civilians and commercial vessels under international law.