US launches fresh strikes on Iran as tensions rise
The United States has carried out another round of airstrikes on Iranian military targets, marking the 10th consecutive night of attacks as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
The US Central Command said the strikes targeted military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, maritime capabilities and air defence systems to reduce Iran’s ability to launch attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest operation followed a warning from US President Donald Trump that Iran would face consequences after three American soldiers were killed in separate attacks in Jordan and Iraq.
Iran responded by claiming it struck two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted US military assets in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. The claims were reported by the country’s state news agency, IRNA.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the conflict as a “full-scale war” with the United States.
Explosions were reported near the north-western city of Tabriz and in the southern port areas of Bandar Mahshahr, Bandar Imam Khomeini, Chabahar and Konarak. Iranian state media reported that at least one person was killed and several others were injured.
Despite the attacks, the US Central Command said commercial ships were still moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations also reported that an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was hit by an unidentified projectile, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. It was not immediately clear whether it was one of the tankers mentioned by Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also claimed it attacked an Amazon data centre in Bahrain with cruise missiles, according to state media.
Jordan said it intercepted five drones after shooting down three missiles a day earlier, while Bahrain said Iranian drones targeted its air navigation systems but did not disrupt air traffic. Kuwait also reported intercepting Iranian drones.
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Meanwhile, both countries are said to be exchanging diplomatic messages through intermediaries despite the collapse of an earlier ceasefire.
The US Department of Defense identified two of the soldiers killed in the recent attacks as Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, and Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25. A third service member was initially reported missing before unidentified remains were later found in the area.
