US and Iran trade more strikes in Gulf as fears of escalation mount

Iran has conducted drone strikes on US military facilities and bases across the Middle East, citing retaliation for American attacks. Explosions were reported along Iran's Gulf coast and in various inland areas, resulting in casualties. Iran also announced strikes on Kuwait, and sirens were heard in Bahrain and Jordan, with flights suspended in Iraq due to a reported drone crash. This escalation follows the US plan, announced by President Trump, to use frozen Iranian assets to cover war damages. Iran's Foreign Minister condemned this move, calling it an "incendiary precedent" that could lead to chaos.

The United States launched new strikes on Iran targeting its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities after two American soldiers were killed in Iranian strikes in Jordan. These US attacks, occurring on the eighth consecutive night, aim to degrade Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and punish the IRGC. In response, Iran reportedly launched drone attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait and triggered air raid sirens in Bahrain. US President Trump stated the US will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons, while Iran's Supreme Leader warned of "unforgettable lessons" for the US.

The Pentagon has reported nearly 100 US service members injured over the past two weeks due to escalating strikes on Iran, with Iran launching retaliatory attacks. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, and a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, forcing its crew to abandon ship. While most US injuries are minor concussions, three US soldiers have been killed in action in Jordan and Iraq recently. These events, coupled with a maritime embargo announced by Yemen's Houthis against Saudi Arabia, are disrupting global trade and increasing oil prices. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but a recent interim deal has faltered.

A U.S. service member was killed in northern Iraq on Saturday during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday. A second service member was wounded in the incident and is receiving medical treatment. This announcement coincided with CENTCOM confirming that unidentified remains were found Sunday in Jordan during the search for a U.S. service member reported missing after a separate Iranian attack on Friday. The attack in Jordan killed two U.S. service members and injured four others who were medically evacuated and later discharged. CENTCOM is withholding further details, including the identities of the fallen and missing, out of respect for their families.

The United States conducted air strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance and air defense facilities on Saturday night, targeting capabilities of Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). These strikes, the eighth consecutive night of US action, were in retaliation for an IRGC attack that killed two US troops in Jordan. In response, Iran's army stated it launched drone attacks on two US bases in Kuwait. The US aims to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and punish forces responsible for the Jordan attack. Both nations have escalated attacks in recent days, with accusations of striking critical infrastructure.

The US military launched strikes on Iran for the eighth consecutive night, targeting areas in Hormozgan province, including Sirik and Qeshm Island. US Central Command stated these strikes were in retaliation for an Iranian attack in Jordan that killed two American service members and were designed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's semi-official news agencies reported the strikes, noting no casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure. In response, Iran's army reportedly targeted two US military bases in Kuwait, hitting an ammunition depot and radar systems. These actions follow weeks of escalating conflict, with both sides reporting casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent is urging the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle East amidst ongoing conflict with Iran. Kent stated on X that the U.S. should leave to avoid mass casualties and break an escalation trap, suggesting former President Trump could still frame such a move as a victory. His comments followed U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announcements of two U.S. service members killed and one missing in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17, and another service member killed in Iraq on July 18 during a drone ordnance detonation. Kent previously resigned from his government post, citing opposition to the Iran war and asserting Iran posed no imminent threat, attributing the conflict's start to pressure from Israel and its lobby. He believes removing U.S. forces would deprive Iran of military targets and justifications for regional disruption.

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.

The US has intensified attacks on Iran, striking targets near Tehran and a ship accused of breaking its blockade. This marks the sixth consecutive day of fighting, threatening a wider war and jeopardizing a recent peace deal. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones targeting US allies in the region, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq. The conflict has centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil exports, which Iran has largely closed. Both sides interpret a recent interim deal regarding the strait differently, leading to continued clashes and disruptions to shipping. The escalating tensions have caused oil prices to rise, and Iran has warned of further retaliation if the US interferes.

The United States conducted new strikes against Iran on Wednesday, targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the strikes began at 1900 GMT. President Donald Trump warned that attacks could expand if Iran does not return to negotiations. Additionally, the US military reported that an aircraft fired on and disabled an empty oil tanker attempting to bypass a naval blockade of Iran's ports. These actions aim to reduce Iran's capacity to disrupt maritime transit in the crucial waterway.

The United States and Iran have engaged in a second day of retaliatory attacks, escalating tensions and jeopardizing a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Following US strikes on approximately 90 Iranian military targets, Iran stated it attacked US military-linked sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The US Central Command reported its strikes targeted Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran claimed its actions were in response to the US bombardment. These exchanges threaten to undermine the MoU brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, which sought to de-escalate conflict and address broader issues between the two nations.

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.

The United States conducted new strikes on Iran on Wednesday in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump ordered the retaliation, stating his expectation for the military escalation to conclude swiftly and indicating a willingness for further discussions. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes were aimed at diminishing Iran's capacity to jeopardize freedom of navigation in the strait, a vital waterway for global energy transport. The article does not provide further details on the specific nature or targets of these strikes.

Oil prices surged as renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran impacted the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose above $76 a barrel for the first time in two weeks after the US launched strikes on Iran and revoked a temporary waiver of sanctions on Iranian oil. This action followed attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which US, Qatari, and Saudi officials blamed on Iran. US Central Command stated the strikes were to impose costs for targeting commercial shipping. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister described the sanctions waiver revocation as a violation of a previous memorandum of understanding and warned of decisive actions to safeguard national interests.