The latest escalation widened the conflict beyond Iran's borders, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) saying it had launched ballistic missiles at U.S. aircraft at Jordan's Aqaba airport, as well as U.S. military assets at Kuwait's Al-Adiri camp, Ali Al Salem Air Base and positions in Syria.

Iran also reported that two oil tankers had exploded and become immobilised in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy exports, further heightening concerns over the security of international maritime trade.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed it had begun "a new ⁠wave of strikes" aimed at "degrading" Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels in the strait's vital shipping lanes. The military did not provide further details on the operation, as media reports show.

Iranian media reported that U.S. missiles struck several cities across the country early Monday, as Washington intensified its military campaign following the collapse of an interim ceasefire agreement reached a month ago.

The regional fallout was felt across the Gulf, with Bahrain's Interior Ministry reporting that air raid sirens sounded on Monday morning.

In neighbouring Kuwait, the army said it intercepted hostile drones during what it described as an Iranian attack.

The latest exchanges underscore the rapid deterioration of security in the region, with both sides expanding military operations despite mounting international concern over the risk of a wider conflict.