Tensions in West Asia have surged again after Iran launched a surprise strike on a U.S. military base in Jordan, ending days of relative calm and signaling what analysts believe is a major shift in Tehran's military strategy.

Unlike previous exchanges, Iran struck first instead of waiting for another U.S. attack. Experts suggest Tehran may now prefer a controlled, low-intensity conflict over a prolonged ceasefire that leaves sanctions and economic isolation unchanged.

The conflict is also reshaping global energy markets, with rising oil prices potentially benefiting countries like Russia, while China continues to strengthen its position in global energy and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the human cost continues to rise. Reports indicate that 16 Indian nationals, including several seafarers, have lost their lives amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Iran Launches Surprise Strike on U.S. Base in Jordan | West Asia War Escalates | US- Iran War 

The United States has launched its eighth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, targeting IRGC coastal surveillance systems, missile depots, air defense facilities, and military infrastructure. The strikes come after two American service members were killed in Jordan during an Iranian missile and drone attack. CENTCOM confirmed that the operation aimed to weaken Iran's military capabilities, while Iranian media reported attacks near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by claiming strikes on US military bases in Kuwait, warning that further American attacks will be met with a "devastating response."

US launches 8th straight night of strikes on Iran | Iran hits US bases in Kuwait | Trump reacts 

The United States has carried out its eighth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, targeting IRGC military facilities, missile sites, coastal surveillance systems, and drone storage locations after two American service members were killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan. The US Central Command says the strikes are aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities. Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a fresh warning to Washington, declaring that the US will face "unforgettable lessons" if the attacks continue. Senior Iranian military officials have also warned that Tehran is prepared to launch a full-scale offensive if American strikes persist.
As tensions rise across the Middle East, Iran has reportedly targeted US military assets in Kuwait and warned Gulf nations over continued US operations. The conflict has also resulted in dozens of casualties, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Watch the latest developments in the escalating US-Iran conflict, military strikes, regional reactions, and the growing crisis in West Asia.

 US launches eighth round of strikes on Iran after deadly Jordan attack | Middle East crisis | US-Iran

The US-Iran conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as both countries exchanged heavy strikes overnight, escalating tensions across the Middle East. The United States reportedly targeted key infrastructure inside Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks on American military installations and strategic assets across the Gulf region. According to reports, Iran claimed strikes on US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, while also targeting critical infrastructure linked to American operations. The conflict has also intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, raising fears of a wider regional war and disruptions to global energy supplies.

US-Iran war escalates | Iran strikes US bases in gulf after American airstrikes | Strait of Hormuz 

Russia has accused US President Joe Biden of carrying out military strikes in Iraq and Syria to prop up his presidential re-election campaign. Russia's Ambassador to United Nations Vassily Nebenzia, at a meeting of the Security Council, said that Biden giving the nod to engage in conflicts in the Middle East was not in response to the deadly attack on US soldiers in Jordan, but an attempt to boost his image.

Russia has accused US President Joe Biden of carrying out military strikes in Iraq and Syria to prop up his presidential re-election campaign. Russia's Ambassador to United Nations Vassily Nebenzia, at a meeting of the Security Council, said that Biden giving the nod to engage in conflicts in the Middle East was not in response to the deadly attack on US soldiers in Jordan, but an attempt to boost his image. The US last week began airstrikes against dozens of targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and allied groups after the Jordan drone attacks which Washington blamed on Iranian-backed militias. "The biggest operation of the US in the region since 2003, presented by Joe Biden as an act of retaliation for an attack of the use of a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) of unconfirmed origin on the American base that is illegally in Syria has no justification," said Nebenzia. "We see in these 'flex their muscles' attempts, first of all, a desire to influence the domestic political landscape in America, a desire to somehow correct the disastrous image of the current American administration," he added. Watch | US strikes Iran-backed targets in Iraq and Syria × US presidential elections The US will go to polls in November this year with Biden expected to square up against former president Donald Trump in all likelihood. Biden's approval ratings have taken a tumble in recent months as Trump chalks up a comeback. Experts believe that the current escalation in the Middle East, if played well, could provide Biden the required fillip, to make the competition even. Washington has justified the US strikes in Syria and Iraq under Article 51 of the founding UN Charter, which covers the individual or collective right of states to self-defence against armed attack. "Let me be clear: The United States does not desire more conflict in a region when we are actively working to contain and de-escalate the conflict in Gaza. And we are not seeking a direct conflict with Iran," said Wood. Also read | Middle East Crisis: Drone strike on base housing US troops kills seven in Syria According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, seven Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) special forces "commandos" were killed and 18 others wounded in "a drone attack after midnight" on Monday (Feb 5). Apart from the strikes in Iraq and Syria, Washington is busy bombarding Houthis in Yemen alongside allies after the militant group started attacking shipping vessels in the Red Sea to avenge Israel's war in the Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says Biden 'boosting' his presidential campaign with Syria, Iraq strikes

The United States officials have approved plans for a series of strikes against Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria for over a number of days, CBS News reported on Thursday (Feb 1) citing government sources.&nbsp;

The strikes will come in response to drone and rocket attacks targeting US forces in the region, including the recent drone attack that killed three US service members in Jordan and left dozens others injured.&nbsp;

The CBS report quoted US officials as saying the weather was a factor in the timing of the planned strikes, as Washington prefers to carry out strikes when visibility is good over its targets to safeguard against hitting civilians.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-chief-apologizes-for-concealing-hospitalization-686070">US defense chief apologises for concealing hospitalisation</a>

Washington has said the attack on its troops&nbsp;in Jordan near the Syrian border bore the "footprints" of Ketaib Hezbollah, which is a pro-Iranian militia based in Iraq. That group said on Wednesday it was suspending military action against US&nbsp;forces to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, four US officials told the news agency Reuters that the drone used in the attack was believed to have been made in Iran, linking Tehran directly to the attacks. But Iran has denied any role.&nbsp;

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<h2>Iran 'not afraid of war' with US&nbsp;</h2>

Hossein Salami, the chief commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said on Wednesday, that Tehran is not afraid of direct military confrontation with Washington.&nbsp;He also said that threats coming from the US&nbsp;will not be left unanswered, further adding that Iran is not seeking war with the US.&nbsp;

"We hear some threats from American officials about targeting Iran. We tell them that you tested us and we know each other. We do not leave any threat unanswered, and we do not look for war, but we are not afraid of it. This is the well-known truth," he said.&nbsp;

According to the official IRNA news agency, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, "America must stop using the language of threat and projection and focus on a political solution."&nbsp;

"Iran's response to threats is decisive and immediate," he added.&nbsp;

Iran's comment came after Biden's remarks, in which he said he had decided on a response to a drone attack. But even the Biden administration had stressed that it was not seeking a war with Iran.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States officials have approved plans for a series of strikes against Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria for over a number of days, CBS News reported on Thursday (Feb 1) citing government sources.

The United States officials have approved plans for a series of strikes against Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria for over a number of days, CBS News reported on Thursday (Feb 1) citing government sources. The strikes will come in response to drone and rocket attacks targeting US forces in the region, including the recent drone attack that killed three US service members in Jordan and left dozens others injured. The CBS report quoted US officials as saying the weather was a factor in the timing of the planned strikes, as Washington prefers to carry out strikes when visibility is good over its targets to safeguard against hitting civilians. Also read: US defense chief apologises for concealing hospitalisation Washington has said the attack on its troops in Jordan near the Syrian border bore the "footprints" of Ketaib Hezbollah, which is a pro-Iranian militia based in Iraq. That group said on Wednesday it was suspending military action against US forces to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government. Meanwhile, four US officials told the news agency Reuters that the drone used in the attack was believed to have been made in Iran, linking Tehran directly to the attacks. But Iran has denied any role. Watch this video: × Also read: US approves sale of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India Iran 'not afraid of war' with US Hossein Salami, the chief commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said on Wednesday, that Tehran is not afraid of direct military confrontation with Washington. He also said that threats coming from the US will not be left unanswered, further adding that Iran is not seeking war with the US. "We hear some threats from American officials about targeting Iran. We tell them that you tested us and we know each other. We do not leave any threat unanswered, and we do not look for war, but we are not afraid of it. This is the well-known truth," he said. According to the official IRNA news agency, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, "America must stop using the language of threat and projection and focus on a political solution." "Iran's response to threats is decisive and immediate," he added. Iran's comment came after Biden's remarks, in which he said he had decided on a response to a drone attack. But even the Biden administration had stressed that it was not seeking a war with Iran. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden government approves strikes against Iranian targets in Iraq and Syria: Report

A United States official on Monday (Jan 29) said that the reason why the US failed to dodge the drone strike that hit an American military outpost in Jordan, killing three troops, was because the military drone reached the target at the same time when a US drone was also returning to the base, as per the Wall Street Journal reports.

The return of the drone launched by the United States led to confusion amongst officials over whether the drone that was coming was that of a foe or its own.

The US claimed that the drone, which claimed the lives of three troops, was launched by Iran-backed militant groups.

However, the United States has yet to find evidence if Iran directed the strike, said the US official.

<h2>US seeking 'consequential' response to attack, says White House&nbsp;</h2>

A White House spokesman on Monday (Jan 29) said that the US was seeking a "very consequential" response to the drone attack.

President Joe Biden "will respond" to the Sunday attack "in a very consequential way. But we don't seek a war with Iran. We're not looking for a wider conflict in the Middle East," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in an interview with CNN.

After the drone strike hit the American outpost in Jordan, Biden released a statement vowing to hold the perpetrators to account.

"While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," Biden said in a statement on the attack.

"We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt -- we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing," he added.

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The US president then called the three fallen service members “patriots,” praising their bravery and offering his grief, calling it a “despicable and wholly unjust attack.”&nbsp;

“Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honour and valour. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism,” the president said.

The US Central Command said that dozens were injured from the attack near the Syrian border further adding that the identities of the ones killed will be withheld pending notification of their families. &nbsp;

<h2>Deadly attack on US troops occurred in Syria, claims Jordan</h2>

Meanwhile, Jordan released a statement saying that the strike took place at an army base in Syria near the border and not in its territory as was reported by the United States earlier.

Government spokesman Muhannad Mubaidin said the "attack that targeted the American forces did not happen in Jordan... It targeted Al-Tanf base in Syria", where US forces are deployed as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition.

<h2>Hamas spokesman says drone strike 'a warning to American admin'</h2>

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri released a statement saying that the killing of the soldiers "is a message to the American administration that unless the killing of innocent people in Gaza stops, it may be faced with the entire (Muslim) nation."

"The continuation of the American-Zionist aggression on Gaza risks a regional explosion," Abu Zuhri said in a statement.

This is the first time that American troops have been killed in the Middle East since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out.

The attack is being seen as a significant escalation of the already precarious situation in the Middle East. There have been more than 150 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, but most were unsuccessful as they did not cause serious injury or damage to infrastructure. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A United States official on Monday (Jan 29) said that the reason why the US failed to dodge the drone strike that hit an American military outpost in Jordan, killing three troops, was because the military drone reached the target at the same time when a US drone was also returning to the base, as per the Wall Street Journal reports.

A United States official on Monday (Jan 29) said that the reason why the US failed to dodge the drone strike that hit an American military outpost in Jordan, killing three troops, was because the military drone reached the target at the same time when a US drone was also returning to the base, as per the Wall Street Journal reports. The return of the drone launched by the United States led to confusion amongst officials over whether the drone that was coming was that of a foe or its own. The US claimed that the drone, which claimed the lives of three troops, was launched by Iran-backed militant groups. However, the United States has yet to find evidence if Iran directed the strike, said the US official. US seeking 'consequential' response to attack, says White House A White House spokesman on Monday (Jan 29) said that the US was seeking a "very consequential" response to the drone attack. President Joe Biden "will respond" to the Sunday attack "in a very consequential way. But we don't seek a war with Iran. We're not looking for a wider conflict in the Middle East," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in an interview with CNN. After the drone strike hit the American outpost in Jordan, Biden released a statement vowing to hold the perpetrators to account. "While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," Biden said in a statement on the attack. "We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt -- we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing," he added. Also read: French farmers block highways amid protests against government, thousands of police deployed The US president then called the three fallen service members “patriots,” praising their bravery and offering his grief, calling it a “despicable and wholly unjust attack.” “Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honour and valour. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism,” the president said. The US Central Command said that dozens were injured from the attack near the Syrian border further adding that the identities of the ones killed will be withheld pending notification of their families. Deadly attack on US troops occurred in Syria, claims Jordan Meanwhile, Jordan released a statement saying that the strike took place at an army base in Syria near the border and not in its territory as was reported by the United States earlier. Government spokesman Muhannad Mubaidin said the "attack that targeted the American forces did not happen in Jordan... It targeted Al-Tanf base in Syria", where US forces are deployed as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition. Hamas spokesman says drone strike 'a warning to American admin' Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri released a statement saying that the killing of the soldiers "is a message to the American administration that unless the killing of innocent people in Gaza stops, it may be faced with the entire (Muslim) nation." "The continuation of the American-Zionist aggression on Gaza risks a regional explosion," Abu Zuhri said in a statement. This is the first time that American troops have been killed in the Middle East since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out. The attack is being seen as a significant escalation of the already precarious situation in the Middle East. There have been more than 150 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, but most were unsuccessful as they did not cause serious injury or damage to infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies)

Did US fail to avert Jordan attack due to drone-related confusion?

United States President Joe Biden said on Tuesday (Jan 30) that he has decided how to respond to the drone attack on US troops in Jordan, which killed three service members. Biden also added that Iran is to blame for supplying weapons to the militant groups.&nbsp;

Biden responded to the reporters as he left the White House on a campaign trip to Florida. He was asked whether or not he had made a decision on his response. He said, "Yes."&nbsp;

The US president also asked whether Iran was to blame, and he said, "I do hold them responsible, in the sense that they're supplying the weapons to the people who did it."&nbsp;

Biden also said that the US does not need a wider war in the Middle East.&nbsp;

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In an election year, Biden and his party have been facing growing pressure to punish Iran for the drone strike on a US military facility near the Jordanian-Syrian border on Sunday, with some urging direct strikes on Iran itself.

However, US media reported that Biden's administration believes hitting Iranian territory could escalate tensions, with strikes on Iranian-backed militias and possibly on Iranian Revolutionary Guard facilities in other countries more likely.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the White House had said on Monday that the US will aim at a "very consequential" response.&nbsp;

While talking about links to Tehran, Biden said that the US would have that "discussion" when asked if a direct link to Iran had been established.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-kataib-hezbollah-the-iran-backed-group-allegedly-behind-the-jordan-strike-on-us-troops-685166">Who is Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group allegedly behind strike on US troops in Jordan</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US bases attacked in Jordan: Officials say drone 'mix-up' led to the attack&nbsp;

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<h2>Middle East crisis&nbsp;</h2>

In the past few weeks, tensions have escalated sharply in the Middle East (West Asia) region, especially after the Jordan attack in the already unstable region after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's devastating response in Gaza.&nbsp;

Global calls have been made to opt for a diplomatic channel and avoid escalation, with Russia, a close ally of Iran, on Tuesday calling for de-escalation.

"In our view, the overall level of tension is very alarming and, on the contrary, now is the time for steps to de-escalate tensions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

"This is the only thing that can help us prevent further spreading of the conflict, especially the Middle East conflict, and somehow achieve de-confliction and de-escalation," Peskov added.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden said on Tuesday (Jan 30) that he has decided how to respond to the drone attack on US troops in Jordan, which killed three service members.

United States President Joe Biden said on Tuesday (Jan 30) that he has decided how to respond to the drone attack on US troops in Jordan, which killed three service members. Biden also added that Iran is to blame for supplying weapons to the militant groups. Biden responded to the reporters as he left the White House on a campaign trip to Florida. He was asked whether or not he had made a decision on his response. He said, "Yes." The US president also asked whether Iran was to blame, and he said, "I do hold them responsible, in the sense that they're supplying the weapons to the people who did it." Biden also said that the US does not need a wider war in the Middle East. Also read: CCTV footage shows undercover Israeli troops raiding West Bank hospital, killing three Palestinians In an election year, Biden and his party have been facing growing pressure to punish Iran for the drone strike on a US military facility near the Jordanian-Syrian border on Sunday, with some urging direct strikes on Iran itself. However, US media reported that Biden's administration believes hitting Iranian territory could escalate tensions, with strikes on Iranian-backed militias and possibly on Iranian Revolutionary Guard facilities in other countries more likely. Meanwhile, the White House had said on Monday that the US will aim at a "very consequential" response. While talking about links to Tehran, Biden said that the US would have that "discussion" when asked if a direct link to Iran had been established. Also read: Who is Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group allegedly behind strike on US troops in Jordan Watch: US bases attacked in Jordan: Officials say drone 'mix-up' led to the attack × Middle East crisis In the past few weeks, tensions have escalated sharply in the Middle East (West Asia) region, especially after the Jordan attack in the already unstable region after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's devastating response in Gaza. Global calls have been made to opt for a diplomatic channel and avoid escalation, with Russia, a close ally of Iran, on Tuesday calling for de-escalation. "In our view, the overall level of tension is very alarming and, on the contrary, now is the time for steps to de-escalate tensions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow. "This is the only thing that can help us prevent further spreading of the conflict, especially the Middle East conflict, and somehow achieve de-confliction and de-escalation," Peskov added. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Jordan drone attack: Biden has decided on response, doesn't want wider war in Middle East

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