EXPLAINERAnalysts warn of further escalation after tit-for-tat attacks between Tehran and Washington.Published On 10 Jun 2026Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched drone and missile attacks against US-linked military targets in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan in response to American strikes on southern Iran.Earlier, the US military said it carried out “self-defence strikes” against Iranian targets following the reported downing of a US attack helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran would “leave no attack or threat unanswered”, raising fears of further escalation between the two countries.Here is what has happened:In Iran
US launches strikes on Iran after helicopter incident: The US carried out military strikes against Iranian targets after President Donald Trump said Iran had shot down a US Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation and raising new questions about the future of US-Iran talks and the fragile ceasefire.
Explosions reported across key locations near the Strait of Hormuz: Iranian state media reported attacks on Qeshm Island and a projectile strike in the port city of Sirik. Residents also reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and Jask, areas that sit close to one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
