Tensions have escalated again in the Middle East. The United States has claimed to launch new massive airstrikes on 80 Iranian targets. In response, Tehran has warned of severe retaliation. At the same time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced attacks on 85 locations in Kuwait and Bahrain.

In addition, Iran has claimed that it has shot down a US MQ-9 drone in the sky of Bushehr province.

In a statement on Tuesday night, the US Central Command (Centcom) said that US forces have launched new attacks on more than 80 targets in Iran. At the same time, Washington has reimposed sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil in response to the attack on commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Iran warned early Wednesday that it will respond to the US attack. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohabi later told Tasnim News that a US military MQ-9 drone shot down their air defense system in the airspace over the Khormuz area of Bushehr province.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military said the country was responding to “hostile missile and drone attacks.” A statement said the sounds of explosions heard in various parts of the country were the result of successfully intercepting missiles and drones. At the same time, citizens were urged to follow safety instructions.

State news agency KUNA reported that air raid sirens were sounded across Kuwait. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry also issued a similar warning. It ordered people to remain calm and seek shelter nearby.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that an explosion occurred on Kharg Island, one of the country’s main oil export hubs. Explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas, the port city of Sirik and Qeshm Island. The attacks came as the country was holding a state funeral for its recently deceased supreme leader.

On the other hand, Iranian Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf accused the US of violating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on social media.

He claimed that the US had taken several steps against Iran, including new attacks, reimposing oil sanctions and increasing regional tensions.

In another post, he said, “The era of fear and coercion is over. We will not surrender.”

Meanwhile, the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be one of the topics of discussion at the NATO leaders’ meeting in the Turkish capital Ankara. The meeting is being attended by US President Donald Trump and leaders of the alliance countries.