The United States has launched strikes against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking a major escalation in tensions across the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump described the attacks as “large and powerful”, saying they were carried out in response to what Washington said were Iranian attempts to mine the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international shipping route.

Explosions were reported around the Strait of Hormuz, including at an airport in southern Iran. The strikes have raised concerns about the security of one of the world’s most important energy and shipping routes.

Iran has strongly condemned the US attacks, warning that Washington would “regret” its latest actions. Iranian officials have also threatened further responses as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.

The conflict has also spread beyond Iran. Jordan’s military said it intercepted Iranian missiles entering its airspace. Meanwhile, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq’s Kurdistan region have also reported being targeted by Iranian attacks.