Middle East crisis live: Iran launches broad retaliatory attacks after US strikes

Iran launched a wave of retaliatory attacks overnight, including missile and drone strikes, targeting an airbase in Jordan that hosts U.S. forces. This action followed U.S. strikes within Iran earlier in the week. The Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, stating that missiles were directed at the Muwaffaq Salti airbase, known to house U.S. F-35 fighter jets and other aircraft.

Jordanian armed forces announced on Wednesday that they intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran. These missiles were reportedly heading toward the al-Azraq area within Jordan. Debris from the interception fell on Jordanian territory but caused no injuries or material damage, according to the military.

A U.S. official told Reuters that nearly all missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted and that the U.S. military was not aware of any harm to U.S. personnel or damage to U.S. locations at this time. The U.S. itself reportedly conducted nearly 20 strikes in Iran on Wednesday morning.

“

Nearly all the missiles and drones launched by Iran over the last few hours were intercepted.

The escalating tensions in the Middle East have unsettled global markets. Asian share markets experienced declines, with Japan's Nikkei falling 0.9% and South Korea's tech-heavy KOSPI slumping 2%. Oil prices climbed about 1% in early trade, moving away from a recent seven-week low. Brent futures rose to $92.29 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude reached $88.97.

Analysts suggest that while oil prices have risen, markets may not yet be pricing in a sustained disruption to supply. "Oil holding around $90 despite fresh Iran headlines suggests markets are not pricing a sustained supply disruption," said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo in Singapore. "That leaves room for a bigger repricing if energy infrastructure, shipping routes or U.S. involvement escalate."

“

Oil holding around $90 despite fresh Iran headlines suggests markets are not pricing a sustained supply disruption. That leaves room for a bigger repricing if energy infrastructure, shipping routes or U.S. involvement escalate.