Missile fire, shipping attacks escalate Israel-Iran war as Trump warns of more action

Fresh tensions erupted in the Middle East on Thursday after Israel said Iran launched a new wave of missiles toward its territory, prompting Israeli forces to announce retaliatory strikes targeting sites in Tehran.

The developments came hours after a US refuelling aircraft went down over western Iraq. The US military described it as an “incident” involving two aircraft and said neither hostile fire nor friendly fire appeared to be responsible.

In a social media post, Donald Trump said the United States was “totally destroying” the Iranian regime and urged observers to “watch what happens” on Friday as the conflict unfolds.

Meanwhile, Washington said it was easing sanctions on stranded oil shipments from Russia in a bid to stabilise global energy supplies and prevent price spikes.

In Iran, state television aired a statement attributed to the country’s new supreme leader — his first since assuming power — pledging to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.

Regional tensions rose further after at least three cargo ships were attacked in the Persian Gulf. Iranian state media said Iranian forces were responsible for at least one of the strikes.