U.S.-Iran strikes raise fears of renewed war across the Middle East

(Reuters) – Fears of renewed escalation gripped the Middle East on Wednesday after the United States and Iran exchanged their biggest barrage ​since July, with Washington striking Iran’s southern coast and Tehran firing at U.S. bases across the region.

With the U.S. threatening further strikes, Iran accused Washington of hitting a wedding party, killing ‌four people and wounding dozens. Its health minister later said 18 people in total had been killed and 108 injured in the latest wave of U.S. strikes.

The U.S. military said it struck air defences, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications sites on Tuesday. Iran reported hits on multiple targets near the Strait of Hormuz.