Iran-U.S. Conflict Escalates as Jordan Intercepts Missiles

The conflict between Iran and Washington has escalated again, with Jordan intercepting five Iranian missiles launched on Wednesday. The U.S. Central Command said its forces 'remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness' after the attack.

Hours earlier, the U.S. military announced that it had worked with Saudi Arabia to launch strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) claimed that at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 others wounded in the overnight strikes.

The Iraqi government has condemned the attack, with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi calling an emergency meeting of the country's National Security Council to discuss the strikes. Saudi Arabia also shot down drones fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq for a second day.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint in the conflict, with Iran rejecting Oman's proposal for jointly managing ship traffic through the waterway. Oil prices have spiked due to the renewed hostilities, with Brent crude jumping 3.1% to $84.58 a barrel.