Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain said on Monday that they have intercepted Iranian aerial attacks.
The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army said in a statement Monday night that its air defenses intercepted three missiles launched from Iran.
It said the interception caused no casualties or material damage, adding that it remains on high alert and will respond firmly to any threats to national security and sovereignty.
The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force said that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed multiple Iranian aerial attacks against the kingdom.
It condemned what it called Iran's "systematic hostile approach," saying the "deliberate use of missiles and drones to target civilians and private property" violates international humanitarian law.
Kuwait's armed forces said on Monday its air defense systems were intercepting "hostile" missile and drone attacks, as explosions were heard in parts of the country.
In a statement on social media platform X, the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces confirmed the explosions resulted from air defense systems engaging with "hostile" aerial attacks, urging the public to follow safety instructions issued by authorities.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said earlier on Monday that it had launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. assets and facilities in Kuwait and Jordan in response to continued U.S. airstrikes on Iran.
Recent strikes on Kuwait targeted military installations and some of its vital infrastructure, including oil facilities and power and water desalination plants, causing injuries and material damage.
Explosions were heard on Monday evening in Iran's southern provinces of Hormozgan and Fars, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Several explosions were heard in Hormozgan's Sirik County, Mehr cited local citizens as saying, adding the nature of the blast remains unclear.
It also quoted Seyed Ahmad Ahmadizadeh, Fars' deputy governor for political, security and social affairs, as saying that the United States has carried out an airstrike against a region in the provincial capital Shiraz, without causing casualties.
Earlier in the day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared a "full-scale war" with the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran has received mediation proposals and keeps its diplomatic channels open.
The United States has launched multiple strikes on Iran's southern provinces over the past week, saying they were aimed at "degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping."
Iran has responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in regional countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain say intercepted Iranian aerial attacks
The Northeast China Football League, China's first cross-provincial city-based football tournament, is in full swing across northeast China, transforming a low-cost ticket into a golden key that unlocks regional tourism and fuels a surge in consumer spending this summer.
Fresh off the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, football fever is just heating up in China's northeastern region.
Officially called "The 2026 Northeast China City Football League," an eight-team amateur competition spanning the three northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang, plus the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, opened simultaneously in Shenyang, Changchun, Harbin and Hohhot, the four capitals of the provinces and the region, on May 23.
While match tickets cost less than three U.S. dollars, their value extends far beyond the pitch. Ticket holders enjoy free entry to landmarks like the Shenyang Imperial Palace, as well as discounts at partner hotels, restaurants and local businesses, with a single match ticket unlocking a host of city-wide benefits.
"The ticket allows us to visit attractions such as the Shenyang Imperial Palace and Marshal Zhang’s Mansion, all of which have discounts. This is something we particularly like. So, taking advantage of the weekend, we should have a good time in the area," said a fan from Heilongjiang.
The bundled benefits have significantly lowered travel costs for fans, turning weekend trips into economical getaways.
"We can enjoy discounts on food, drink and entertainment with our ticket. Roughly calculated, it feels like this trip will save four to five hundred yuan for me," said another fan from Heilongjiang.
This tournament model, which is organized and promoted by local governments, features wide community participation and deep integration with culture, tourism and commercial sectors, and has been widely recognized as a proven success.
Since the launch of the Jiangsu Football City League in 2025, the format has been adopted by regions across China as a way to drive consumption, boost local economies and enrich public life, while also strengthening cultural exchanges between cities.
"We have nearly 20 people here. We hope to use regional football leagues to improve the exchanges between cities and deepen the bond between people. These competitions are just as popular as the World Cup among local fans. We can enjoy intense and exciting matches and their atmosphere right at our doorsteps. This is one of our original goals for football," said Hao Junjie, secretary general of the Jiangsu Zhenjiang Fan Association.
For many visiting supporters, the trip is as much about immersing themselves in local culture as it is about watching football.
"We have experienced Northeast China-style bathhouses and night market barbecue. The football culture and heritage in Shenyang are very good, and this time we are here specifically to watch the Northeast China Football League match. The overall travel cost is approximately 3,500 yuan," said a fan from Jiangsu.
Outside the stadium, thousands of "second viewing venues" have emerged across host cities' core business districts, paired with supporting services including specialty catering, cultural exhibitions and dedicated outdoor match screenings. Every weekend, host cities buzz with vibrant energy, with street stalls bustling with crowds and local businesses thriving.
Local merchants have reported a noticeable surge in activity as the league turns cities into vibrant weekend destinations.
"Business has been very good recently. Since the start of the Northeast China Football League, the customer flow in our entire neighborhood has increased significantly. For our store, the revenue has increased by 10 percent," a local coffee merchant said.
The league's vibrant atmosphere and rich local offerings have even attracted international visitors seeking an authentic cultural experience.
"I'm a Korean who came specifically from Nanjing to watch the match of the Northeast China Football League. I really like it here. It's very lively and fun. I like to eat Northeastern style pork belly and iron pot stew, which are particularly delicious," said a South Korean football fan.
The league is now serving as a powerful catalyst for renewed vitality, proving that the passion for the beautiful game can drive tangible economic and social benefits. The World Cup may be over, but in this corner of China, the season is just beginning.
Grassroots sporting events fuel regional tourism, consumption
