Iran war as it happened: Iran fires back after hours of US strikes

Kuwait’s military said it is currently dealing with “hostile aerial targets” within its airspace.

“The General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces announces that any explosion sounds that may be heard are the result of the Air Defence systems intercepting hostile attacks,” the country’s armed forces said in a statement shared on X.

It urged residents to follow instructions issued by official authorities.

Earlier in the morning, Iranian media reported strikes targeting US infrastructure at military bases in Kuwait. It is not known whether the two incidents are related.

Meanwhile, Jordan has claimed to have intercepted four missiles from Iran, according to Al Jazeera.

 - Reported with CNN

The Australian government has warned against travel to Russia, insisting the country considers Australia an “unfriendly nation”.

In its latest update to travel advice to Russia, it warned Australians were at risk of arbitrary arrest or detention if they travelled to the country.

“Russian authorities regard Australia as an ‘unfriendly’ nation and act accordingly,” the warning on Smartraveller said.

“The security situation could deteriorate with little warning. Departure routes from Russia can be disrupted with little notice...  authorities may arbitrarily enforce local laws. 

“Avoid protests or demonstrations and commenting publicly on political developments, including on social media.”

The government has also urged Australians not to join the Russia-Ukraine war, a war for which Australia has pledged support for Ukraine.

Iran has confirmed more strikes have been aimed at US targets in the Middle East, this time in Kuwait.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it “completely destroyed fuel storage tanks and Patriot air defence systems at the US base in Ali Al Salem”, the outlet reported early Monday morning local time.

Ali Al Salem hosts US troops, according to Central Command, which has responsibility for the region.

The IRGC said it also struck the Ahmad Al Jaber Air Base, around 48 kilometres away, damaging an FPS radar system.

Kuwait’s Armed Forces is yet to confirm any of the attacks.

Bahrain has been hit by Iranian airstrikes, according to multiple sources.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported that sirens had been sounded due to the threat of air strikes, urging people to evacuate.

“The siren has sounded,” the statement on X said.

“Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck US military facilities in Bahrain, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported.

The IRGC said in response to US attacks, its Air Force struck helicopter maintenance and repair facilities, a hangar housing a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, and the military’s drone command and control centre at the US Air Base in Sheikh Isa, Bahrain, Fars reported.

“The retaliatory operations will continue,” the IRGC said.

- Reported with CNN.

US Central Command has provided an update on the US offensive against Iran, saying it hit “dozens of targets at multiple locations”.

“CENTCOM forces struck Iranian military air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats using US fighter aircraft, naval vessels, one-way attack aerial drones, and one-way attack sea drones for the first time,” it said.

“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade. Iran does not control it.

“US forces are postured and prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran’s continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats and arbitrary declarations.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will face voters once again later this year, after the country’s next election date was confirmed.

A parliamentary committee was told by Netanyahu’s governing coalition the vote would take place on October 27, Reuters has reported.

Netanyahu, who is facing legal woes, is also suffering in the polls after Israel’s goals for the Iran war largely went unachieved.

And the current government was the one in power when Hamas swept over the border on October 7, 2023, to carry out a devastating massacre.

While recent polls suggest Netanyahu’s current coalition could lose government, Israel is far from being a two-party state, and coalitions often see smaller parties paper over their differences to form an alliance.

So there’s nothing to say Netanyahu still won’t be a force after the votes are counted.

Iran has apparently begun its retaliatory strikes in response to the latest attacks from the US.

Sirens have reportedly sounded in Bahrain, with citizens forced to take shelter for the second consecutive day.

US Central Command has not yet put out a notice to say that its own attacks on Iran have ended after launching earlier this morning.

Iranian state media has claimed a water pumping station in Khuzestan province was hit by a missile strike.

A security guard was killed and four other people wounded, IRNA said.

Other explosions were also heard at other locations in the province.

Oil prices have risen on the back of the weekend’s tit-for-tat strikes, but not to previous heights.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, lifted 3.92 per cent to $US78.99 ($113.98) a barrel.

Trump’s stated desire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to prevent economic catastrophe has had a limiting affect on surges, analysts told CNN.

Brent crude reached a high-water mark of $US115 ($165.94) a barrel in April.