US identifies soldier killed destroying downed Iranian drone in Iraq

The US military has identified Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, as the soldier killed during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone at Erbil airbase in Iraq on Saturday. Swinton was supporting overseas contingency operations when the incident occurred. This death follows the recent identification of two other soldiers, First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan and Private Isabella Gonzales, who died in Jordan defending against Iranian attacks. These casualties bring the total number of US service personnel killed in the conflict, which began in February, to 17. The controlled detonation involved unexploded ordnance from the Iranian drone, and another service member sustained a minor injury.

The United States conducted its tenth consecutive night of attacks against Iran, targeting military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated these strikes hit command centers, maritime assets, and missile and drone launch sites. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed retaliation, reporting strikes on US HIMARS missile systems and radar in Kuwait, and on air defense systems in Bahrain. These actions follow recent Iranian attacks that killed two US soldiers in Jordan and one in Iraq. Earlier on Monday, two Greek-owned oil tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, and another tanker was hit off the coast of Oman. Iran later claimed two more oil tankers suffered explosions and fires in the Strait of Hormuz.

Democrats are urging President Trump to end the renewed conflict with Iran following the deaths of three U.S. troops in Iranian strikes. Senator Chris Murphy accused the president of losing control of the war, which has escalated after Trump withdrew from a prior agreement. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, while a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile. Since February 28th, at least 17 U.S. service members have been killed, with nearly 100 injured in the past two weeks. The article also briefly mentions other news items, including a potential candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Maine, South Carolina Senator Darline Graham's intention to run for a full term, concerns about AI chatbots providing unreliable election guidance, and a United Airlines employee's threat to call ICE.

Iran has accused the United States of striking critical infrastructure, specifically a desalination plant in Jask, which has left 10,000 people without water. This escalation follows US President Donald Trump's declaration that the peace deal with Iran is over. In retaliation, Iran launched drones and missiles at US-allied Gulf states, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Kuwait reported damage to two power and water desalination plants, while Bahrain and Jordan confirmed Iranian missile interceptions and attacks on military sites. The US military's Central Command stated it conducted strikes on surveillance sites, military logistics, and maritime capabilities in Iran. The conflict intensified after Iran's attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the reimposition of sanctions by the US.

The US military has conducted strikes on Iran for the seventh consecutive night, stating the actions are intended to degrade Iranian military capabilities. These strikes follow President Trump's declaration that a temporary ceasefire agreement is "over." Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported explosions near the Strait of Hormuz, claiming two oil tankers exploded in a mined shipping channel, a claim dismissed as false by the US military's Central Command (Centcom). Iranian media also reported explosions in Yazd, Qeshm island, and Bandar Abbas. Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of global oil and LNG supplies, has largely halted due to these ongoing retaliatory strikes. Earlier, Iran claimed to have attacked US military facilities in several Gulf countries, which the US denied.

Despite US attacks, Iran retains significant missile capabilities, according to leaked US intelligence reports indicating it has regained access to most missile launch sites and a substantial portion of its prewar stockpile. Recent exchanges saw US strikes on Iranian ports and infrastructure, while Iran retaliated by targeting US allies, including a power and desalination plant in Kuwait. These actions have impacted oil prices and reduced transits through the Strait of Hormuz. The US is reportedly considering further escalation, but faces challenges in developing a clear strategy to achieve its objectives without a large-scale ground campaign. Iran's regime has demonstrated resilience, and while military escalation is possible, it may be shorter than previous campaigns due to depleted resources on both sides.

Overnight, Iran launched strikes against multiple countries in the Gulf and wider region, including Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, and Syria, as the United States intensified its attacks on Iran. Tehran stated it targeted US facilities in these countries, claiming Washington used its bases there to strike Iran. In Qatar, which hosts significant US military facilities, the security threat level was raised following explosions and the sounding of warning sirens. A child in Qatar was injured by falling shrapnel. Iran's army also reported targeting US helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft at an airbase in Bahrain. The escalating US air campaign reportedly targeted civilian infrastructure in southern Iran, resulting in at least seven reported deaths.

US Marines boarded the M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday to enforce a renewed blockade of Iranian ports, according to US Central Command. This action occurred as the US expanded its airstrikes, targeting five bridges in southern Iran, with reports of civilian casualties. In response to US actions, Iran fired on Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, which host US forces. Kuwait and Qatar reported responding to missile and drone attacks, while Bahrain's interior ministry urged citizens to take shelter. Iran's state media claimed strikes targeted US helicopters and planes in Bahrain. The article also notes a potential threat from Yemen's Houthis to close the Red Sea oil route if Iran's energy infrastructure is targeted.

The United States military has launched a new wave of strikes against Iran, targeting command centers, air defense sites, and missile capabilities in locations including Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb island. These actions aim to reduce Iran's ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims to have retaliated with missile and drone attacks against US military assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, reporting the interception of its projectiles by Kuwait and Jordan. Iran's Health Ministry states that at least 35 people have been killed and over 300 injured since fighting resumed last week. US Central Command confirmed the strikes concluded Wednesday evening ET.

Overnight, explosions were reported across Iran as the US targeted military infrastructure, including command centers and air defense sites in locations like Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island, according to US Central Command. Iranian state media confirmed explosions and triggered air defenses in Tehran. Simultaneously, Gulf allies reported drone attacks, with Kuwait's military intercepting them and Bahrain's interior ministry advising citizens to seek safety. Iran's military stated it struck US communication systems and fuel storage in Jordan. Tensions are escalating, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed. The US recently resumed a blockade on Iranian ports, leading Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to warn of further disruptions to oil and gas export routes.

The US disabled an unladen oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz by firing Hellfire missiles into its smokestack after it ignored warnings, as part of its blockade on Iranian ports. This action occurred during a fifth day of strikes, which also targeted coastal defenses, missile sites, and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Iran's Greater Tunb Island. Reports indicated strikes in Tehran and other locations in southern Iran. Iran responded with attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. The escalating tit-for-tat attacks come after the collapse of a ceasefire, with fears of a return to full-scale conflict. The US military stated the strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities threatening vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States military has conducted hundreds of air attacks across Iran over the past week, resulting in at least 35 deaths and 300 injuries, according to Iranian health officials. These strikes targeted military sites along Iran's southern coast and near the Strait of Hormuz, despite a ceasefire agreement. In response, Iranian forces attacked US military facilities in the region, including sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, leading to injuries among Kuwaiti military personnel. The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iran's actions as an unprecedented escalation. The US has also reimposed a naval blockade on Iran. These escalating actions are raising concerns about the collapse of a fragile ceasefire and a potential return to wider conflict.

President Trump has threatened to target Iran's civilian infrastructure, such as power plants and bridges, if Tehran does not agree to a deal, a move that could constitute war crimes under international law. He has also reversed a previous threat to impose a 20% toll on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz for security, citing productive conversations with Middle East leadership. Senate Democrats have blocked a defense bill due to ongoing hostilities with Iran, while House Democrats oppose cuts to US military aid to Israel. In other news, federal immigration officials have paused vehicle stops following recent fatal shootings of immigrants in Texas and Maine. Meta faces a lawsuit alleging the use of AI to identify employees for layoffs, particularly those who took protected leave.

The United States conducted a wave of air strikes on Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and coastal areas, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have attacked US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. These actions occurred as the US resumed a naval blockade of Iranian ports, leading to a rise in oil prices due to concerns about global energy supply disruptions. The exchange follows a fragile ceasefire that both sides have accused each other of violating. US President Donald Trump stated that attacks would continue and warned of targeting infrastructure, while Iran threatened to close export corridors benefiting the US and its allies. Jordan's military reported intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted retaliatory strikes on US military facilities in Bahrain, radar systems in Oman, and bases in Jordan and Kuwait. These attacks, occurring on Monday, July 13, 2026, are described as a response to escalating US strikes. The IRGC claimed to have destroyed radar systems in Oman and HIMARS missile launchers in Kuwait. Meanwhile, the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) stated it had hit dozens of Iranian targets to degrade its ability to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, employing various drone and aircraft assets. The conflict reignited on July 6 when the IRGC struck commercial vessels, leading to subsequent US and Iranian retaliatory actions. The Strait of Hormuz has seen a significant drop in vessel transits.

The US military has launched new attacks against Iran amid an escalating standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran condemned these strikes, stating they have "rendered futile" diplomatic efforts and caused insecurity in the strait, disrupting international shipping. Iran claims passage through the waterway is not possible due to US military movements, while the US asserts its forces are safeguarding freedom of navigation and that an alternative southern route remains available. The article also notes the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and actor Sam Neill.

The United States launched new strikes against Iran on Sunday evening, continuing recent exchanges between the two nations. Iranian state media reported one death and four injuries in southwestern Iran due to these strikes. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated it had struck US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. These escalating attacks coincide with conflicting claims regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran asserting its closure and the US maintaining it remains open. Centcom announced dozens of Iranian military targets, including air-defense systems and missile capabilities, were struck, emphasizing preparedness to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping.

Following US strikes on approximately 140 military targets in Iran, Iranian missiles and drones targeted several Gulf states overnight and into Sunday morning. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain reported these attacks, with Qatar experiencing injuries to three people, including a child, from falling shrapnel. All Gulf Cooperation Council states except Saudi Arabia reported intercepting Iranian missiles or drones. These attacks represent a significant escalation in tensions, occurring after Iran previously attacked a container ship and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz after striking a vessel for using an unapproved route, warning of a severe response to any retaliation. US Central Command stated its forces conducted strikes to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners, following the incident involving a Cyprus-flagged container ship that sustained engine room damage and had a missing crew member. The IRGC claimed several ships disregarded warnings to correct their course. This escalation occurs amidst diplomatic efforts in Oman to discuss safe passage through the strait, and follows heightened rhetoric between the US and Iran regarding potential assassinations and reprisals.

Iran has attacked five Gulf nations and closed the Strait of Hormuz following a series of US bombings on its southern coast. Tehran claimed responsibility for attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, and Oman, stating it was a response to renewed US strikes. The US Central Command conducted its third round of strikes targeting Iranian radar, missile, and drone sites. This escalation follows Iran's prior closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane, and attacks on commercial vessels, which Iran stated was due to US violations of a recent memorandum of understanding. The conflict has intensified with tit-for-tat attacks and the breakdown of a ceasefire.

The United States has launched further strikes on Iran, with explosions reported in the country's south, including port cities on the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump stated these actions are retribution for Iran's alleged bombing of ships the previous day, warning of escalating consequences if such attacks recur. US Central Command confirmed the strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the waterway and hold Iran accountable for recent aggression against commercial shipping. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Bandar Abbas and missile strikes on ports in Sirik and Jask. Senior Iranian officials had previously vowed an immediate response to any US attack.

The US military conducted strikes on Iran for a second consecutive day following President Trump's declaration that an interim agreement to end the war was "over." These strikes targeted three locations across Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Bushehr province, in retaliation for Iran's earlier attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command confirmed the actions were aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation. The escalation follows an exchange of fire after Iran targeted merchant vessels, and the US also revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil exports. The strikes occurred as Iran was preparing to bury its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran "over" following retaliatory military attacks between the two nations. The announcement came at a NATO summit in Ankara after Iran attacked bases hosting US forces in Kuwait and Bahrain. These Iranian actions followed US strikes against over 80 targets in response to Iran's attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described Iranian leaders as "sick people" and "scum," expressing a desire to cease engagement. Despite the ceasefire being declared over, US negotiators will reportedly be permitted to continue discussions with their Iranian counterparts. The US and Iran had previously agreed to a ceasefire in April, which was extended last month.