Iran Claims Missile Strikes on US Assets in Jordan as Middle East Conflict Intensifies

New Delhi, July 17, 2026 The conflict between the United States and Iran has intensified further, with Tehran claiming it launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting US military assets in Jordan in response to overnight American strikes on multiple locations inside Iran. The latest escalation comes amid growing instability across the Middle East, raising concerns over the widening scope of the regional conflict. According to Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), the operation destroyed "several US refuelling aircraft and fighter jets" while causing "serious damage to many more." Earlier, Jordan's military announced it had intercepted three Iranian missiles over its territory, adding that no casualties or property damage were reported. Meanwhile, the US military had previously confirmed in February that it completed its withdrawal from the al-Tanf base located near the Syria-Jordan-Iraq border. The violence also spread to Iraq, where explosions were reported in Irbil and Sulaymaniyah as air defence systems responded to incoming projectiles. The reported strike targeted the Iranian Kurdish dissident group Komala, killing at least nine people and injuring several others, according to an official who spoke anonymously for security reasons. While Iran did not immediately claim responsibility, it has targeted Komala in previous operations. Tehran also reportedly launched fresh missile attacks against US-allied countries in the region, including Qatar, while a power and water desalination facility in Kuwait was said to have sustained damage. The collapse of the interim ceasefire agreed upon last month has triggered renewed military exchanges between the US and Iran. Reports indicate that US forces expanded their airstrike campaign by targeting bridges, electrical infrastructure, and facilities linked to key transport routes in southern Iran. Explosions were reported in several cities and coastal areas, including Ahvaz, Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Sirik, Dashti, Bostan, and Bandar-e-Lengeh. Iranian state television reported casualties in Hormozgan province after road and railway infrastructure was struck, while attacks on Iranshahr airport and Kish Island caused infrastructure damage and temporary power outages, according to Al Jazeera.