US-Iran exchange strikes; Pakistan kills 13 in Afghanistan; Israel hits Lebanon

The United States and Iran traded airstrikes overnight, escalating a confrontation that began after Trump ordered retaliation for a downed American helicopter. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for attacks on a U.S. base in Jordan and 21 other targets across the Gulf, according to state media. Kuwait activated its air defenses after Iran said it struck the country as part of the same retaliatory wave. The exchanges mark a sharp uptick in direct military engagement between the two nations.

US and Iran exchange strikes overnight after Trump retaliates for downed American helicopter

Trump authorized airstrikes against Iranian positions near the Strait of Hormuz after an American helicopter was shot down, U.S. defense officials said. The strikes targeted missile batteries and radar installations, according to a Pentagon statement. Iran responded with barrages of its own, hitting multiple sites across the Gulf region.

No casualty figures have been released by either side. The U.S. military said it was assessing damage and that additional assets were being moved into the region. The downing of the helicopter and the subsequent exchanges represent the most direct U.S.-Iran hostilities in years.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim attacks on US base in Jordan, 21 other Gulf targets in retaliation for American strikes near Strait of Hormuz, state media report

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck a U.S. military base in Jordan and 21 other targets across the Gulf, including facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to Iranian state media. The IRGC described the attacks as retaliation for U.S. airstrikes near the Strait of Hormuz.

Jordanian officials confirmed that a base hosting U.S. personnel came under fire but did not specify the extent of damage or casualties. The IRGC statement claimed the strikes were carried out using drones and missiles. U.S. Central Command said it was verifying the reports.

Kuwait air defenses engage after Iran says it struck the country in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes

Kuwait activated its air defense systems after Iran claimed it had targeted the country as part of its retaliatory strikes. Kuwaiti state media reported that incoming projectiles were intercepted over multiple areas. No casualties or major damage were immediately reported.

The Kuwaiti government condemned the strikes and said it reserved the right to respond. Iran's state media listed Kuwait among the nations hit in the IRGC's operation. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in Kuwait, including at Camp Arifjan.

Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan kill at least 13, wound 14, Taliban spokesperson says

Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing at least 13 people and wounding 14 others, according to Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's chief spokesperson. The strikes targeted areas in Khost and Paktika provinces, Mujahid said in a statement. He condemned the attacks as a violation of Afghan sovereignty.

Pakistan's foreign ministry did not immediately comment. The strikes come amid rising tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban-led government over cross-border militant activity. The Taliban said it would retaliate if such strikes continued.

Israeli military strikes southern Lebanon, says it killed Hamas finance chief Khader Jamasi in Gaza

The Israeli military carried out airstrikes on Tyre and other areas in southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure. Separately, the military announced that it killed Khader Jamasi, identified as a senior Hamas finance operative, in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

Lebanese state media reported that the strikes caused damage to buildings and farmland but no immediate casualties. Hezbollah did not confirm any losses. The killing of Jamasi is part of Israel's ongoing campaign against Hamas's financial networks, the military said.

What to Watch

The U.S.-Iran exchange is expected to continue, with both sides signaling readiness for further strikes. Diplomatic channels remain open but no ceasefire talks have been announced. In Afghanistan, the Taliban's threat of retaliation against Pakistan raises the risk of a new front in the region's instability.