Morning update

Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, The United States carried out a second consecutive day of strikes on Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks claimed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The escalation comes as Lebanon and Israel begin implementing a US-backed framework agreement, with Lebanese leaders seeking to preserve stability despite strong opposition from Hezbollah. Here are the latest updates: US Central Command said American aircraft struck Iranian surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defence sites and drone storage facilities near Sirik and Qeshm Island. Iranian media reported explosions in Sirik and on Qeshm Island following the US attacks. The Revolutionary Guard said it launched missile and drone attacks against US military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to the strikes. Bahrain activated warning systems and urged residents to seek shelter, while Kuwait reported responding to aerial threats. US officials said there were no reported casualties from the attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed implementation of the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement and continued efforts to restore state authority. Netanyahu said Israel and Lebanon had agreed on two pilot security zones and announced a phased withdrawal from selected villages in southern Lebanon. Israeli defence minister Israel Katz instructed the military to prepare for a long-term presence in designated security zones in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the framework agreement, calling it a surrender of sovereignty and insisting the provisions of the US-Iran memorandum should be fully implemented. Regional concerns intensified after reports that the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz was raised to "very high" following attacks on commercial shipping and renewed military exchanges. An aerial view shows boats anchored off Oman’s Musandam Peninsula near the Strait of Hormuz, 27 June 2026 (AFP)