India, July 8 -- Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Wednesday after the United States launched military strikes on Iran, accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded within hours by targeting US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, raising fears of a broader regional conflict despite an ongoing ceasefire framework.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out precision strikes on Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and more than 60 fast attack boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The US said the operation was a direct response to Iran's alleged attacks on three commercial ships in the strategically vital...