Tensions in the Middle East are rising again as armed clashes between the United States and Iran flare once more amid conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.
On the 9th (local time), Iran's state-run IRNA reported that areas around the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran were hit by U.S. projectiles.
According to IRNA, the Bushehr Province deputy governor for political, security, and social affairs said, "With U.S. attacks continuing, this strike violates the cease-fire agreement," adding, "This afternoon, several locations across Bushehr Province, including areas around the Bushehr nuclear plant, were struck by U.S. projectiles."
In relation to this, local outlets including Fars News reported that multiple explosions were heard in Bushehr Province, which has Iran's only commercial nuclear power plant.
Armed clashes between the United States and Iran have intensified after attacks on oil tankers that were attempting to pass through Iran's Strait of Hormuz.
Three days ago, Iran attacked three oil tankers that deviated from designated lanes while trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military then carried out airstrikes in response on military facilities in southern Iran and on railroad bridges in the northeast.
The tension from the armed clashes is spreading beyond the Gulf region.
On the day, Jordan's state news agency reported that air-raid sirens sounded across Jordan after missiles launched from Iran entered Jordanian airspace. The agency said eight missiles were intercepted that day, with no casualties or property damage.
Mohammad Momani, Jordan's minister of state for media affairs and government Spokesperson, said, "After missiles launched from Iran violated Jordanian airspace, the Public Security Directorate issued an air-raid alert," adding, "We immediately responded to the threat and intercepted the missiles."
Jordan's state broadcaster Al Mamlaka and other local media reported that the target of Iran's attack appeared to be U.S. military bases in Jordan. U.S. facilities are located at Mwaffaq Salti Air Base in north-central Jordan and elsewhere.
Meanwhile, after the United States responded with airstrikes to the tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases in Gulf countries including Kuwait and Bahrain.