Explosions were heard near a U.S. base in Iraq, and Iran said it targeted Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait as the 21-week war intensifies.

The US tightened its naval blockade and struck targets across Iran, while explosions were reported in several cities and escalating tensions pushed Brent crude above $101 a barrel. Follow for the latest updates.

Iran considers any US military facility used for strikes on Iran a legitimate target for retaliation. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

U.S. President Donald Trump promised "major military punishment" for Iran and its Houthi allies after the Yemeni fighters struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, extending the Middle East war to a second major shipping chokepoint.

At least seven explosions broke out near a military base hosting U.S. forces in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil.

Iran on Thursday rejected a cease-fire proposal from President Trump that was carried to Tehran by the Iraqi prime minister, according to Iranian and Iraqi officials. The failed mediation effort came as Mr. Trump was threatening to escalate the war and target Iran’s critical infrastructure.

The US military launched fresh strikes on military targets in Iran for the 12th consecutive night. The strikes began at 1 am on Thursday in Iran (2130 GMT on Wednesday) and ended about five hours