Pakistan, June 1 -- Tensions between the United States (US) and Iran escalated again after both sides reported carrying out military strikes against each other, even as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a lasting end to the conflict that began earlier this year.

Read More: Pentagon signals readiness for renewed strikes on Iran

The US military said it conducted strikes on Iranian military facilities along Iran's Gulf coast over the weekend. According to the US Central Command, the operation was launched in response to what it described as aggressive Iranian actions, including the reported downing of an American MQ-1 drone operating over international waters.

US officials stated that fighter aircraft targeted Iranian air defence system...