Iran struck what it said were U.S. assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq, and said its aim was now to drive U.S. forces from the vast network of military bases they have maintained for decades across the Middle East.
"American evil in the region will be met with heavier, more widespread, and devastating responses, and any country that cooperates with the aggressive American army must accept its dangerous consequences," Iran's military command said.
Iran said it killed U.S. forces in Jordan and at a base in northern Iraq, but U.S. officials told Reuters there had not been any casualties, according to initial assessments.
In Kuwait, Iran said it had carried out a missile and drone attack on the U.S. Ali Al Salem air base and on a residential complex used by a U.S. commander. Kuwait’s fire service said it put out a blaze at a residential complex hit by a drone.
Qatar, home of the largest U.S. air base in the Gulf, said it held Iran responsible for attacks and their repercussions. Bahrain, which houses the regional headquarters of the U.S. Navy, said Iranian drones were intercepted and destroyed.
Iran also said two tankers had been struck by mines while being steered through the Strait of Hormuz by U.S. personnel.
Washington says that despite Iranian attacks it is guiding ships through the strait. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said more than 17 million barrels of oil exited on Monday.
Iran blacklisted 11 more ships, bringing the total number of such vessels to 56, a government website showed, meaning it would consider them subject to fines, confiscation or detention if they try to sail through the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran's permission.
Trump repeated his assertion that the strait, which handled 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the war, was open to shipping.
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