WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States launched a ninth consecutive night of military strikes against Iran, targeting military infrastructure and coastal defence sites, as fighting between the two countries continued to intensify across the Middle East.
The latest attacks came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the death of a US service member in Iraq during the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance recovered from a downed Iranian drone.
What did the US target?
CENTCOM said the latest operation struck Iranian military command centres, air defence systems, coastal surveillance facilities, missile and drone launch sites, maritime capabilities and communications networks.
The US military said the strikes were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz but did not disclose the specific locations targeted.
What did Iran report?
Iranian media reported explosions in several locations, including Khormoj in southwestern Iran.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claimed it had intercepted and shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Kermanshah province using its air defence systems.
What happened in the Strait of Hormuz?
The IRGC said two oil tankers exploded and became immobilized while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, alleging the vessels had been directed through the route under US military guidance.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a vessel on fire near Kumzar, Oman, but said the cause had not been verified and advised ships to exercise caution while investigations continue.
What military actions did Iran claim?
The IRGC said it launched ballistic missile strikes targeting US military aircraft at Jordan’s Aqaba Airport and claimed attacks on facilities at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Azraq.
The United States has not confirmed the Iranian claims.
What did US and Iranian officials say?
President Donald Trump said the latest strikes were carried out in response to the deaths of US service members, adding that Washington remained committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would only consider negotiations after achieving what he described as a favorable military position, stating that decisions on ending the conflict would depend on developments on the battlefield.
What is the latest casualty update?
CENTCOM confirmed that a US service member was killed in northern Iraq during the disposal of unexploded ordnance recovered from a downed Iranian drone.
The death followed an earlier Iranian attack in Jordan in which two US service members were killed, underscoring the continuing escalation in the conflict.