U.S. launches strikes on Iranian targets after missile attack on U.S. base in Jordan

What prompted the latest U.S. strikes?

U.S. officials said the strikes were a response to an earlier Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan that hosts American troops Gazette,Yahoo! Finance,Hindu.

What targets did the U.S. say it hit in Iran?

U.S. Central Command said it struck dozens of Revolutionary Guard-linked targets over about two hours, including military command centers, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance and defense sites Republic World,Yahoo! Finance,Hindu.

Why does this escalation matter beyond the U.S. and Iran?

Multiple reports say the fighting is affecting other countries and regional infrastructure, including missile interceptions in Jordan, a reported deadly strike in Kuwait, and drone-related fires on vessels at Egypt's Damietta port News18,India Today,CBC News.