Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington, as Iran launched retaliatory attacks on a US air base following strikes nearby its Bandar Abbas International Airport.

While Iran did not specify what base it targeted, sirens sounded across Kuwait as its air defences responded to missile attacks and hostile drones.

Here are some of the other latest developments in the region:

• The United States Treasury Department on Wednesday issued new Iran-related sanctions by adding the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its Specially Designated Nationals list, according to the department’s website.

• Iranian forces fired at four vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to state broadcaster IRIB. “They were warned, but after they ignored the warning, warning shots were fired at them, forcing them to return,” it added. 

• US President Donald Trump threatened to “blow up” Oman if it agreed to work with Iran to impose a fee for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz as part of a settlement to end the war on Tehran.

• Several areas in southern Lebanon, including Tyre and Sidon, have been hit by Israeli attacks. While the Israeli army said it was hitting ‘Hezbollah infrastructure’ in Tyre, much of the reported strikes and footage online shows Israel targeting civilian areas – including residential blocks and a cafe. 

• An Israeli strike that struck a residential building in Gaza City has killed 10 people – including four children. According to the Israeli army, the attack targeted “senior leaders” in Hamas. The Palestinian movement has yet to issue a statement on the matter.