WASHINGTON, United States — The United States has carried out a new wave of military strikes against Iran after two American service members were killed and another reported missing following an Iranian attack in Jordan, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict between the two countries.
The overnight operation marked the eighth consecutive night of US strikes and was conducted under the direction of President Donald Trump, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation began at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday and targeted Iranian military facilities linked to recent attacks on American forces.
“The strikes are designed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night,” the statement said.
The military later confirmed that the strikes had concluded after hitting Iranian coastal surveillance systems and air defence installations.
Iranian media reported explosions near Sirik in Hormozgan Province and near Shadegan, close to the Iraqi border. State-affiliated outlets said no casualties or significant infrastructure damage had been recorded.
Iran responds with fresh regional attacks
Iran’s military later announced drone strikes targeting US military assets at Kuwait’s Al-Adiri Camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base, describing the attacks as part of its ongoing retaliation against American military installations and allies in the Gulf.
The escalation followed CENTCOM’s confirmation that two US service members were killed during Friday’s attack in Jordan, while another remained missing.
The latest deaths bring the number of American military personnel killed since the conflict began to 16, with more than 420 reported wounded.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the fallen troops, writing on X: “Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”
Iran also launched attacks across the Gulf region on Saturday, with reports of missile and drone strikes targeting military sites in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Iranian state media further reported attacks against US military facilities in the region, including Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan, claiming several aircraft had been destroyed. Those claims have not been independently verified.
Saudi Arabia also activated air raid warnings in Al-Kharj and Yanbu after reports of an incoming missile threat, although Iranian authorities did not officially acknowledge any strike on Saudi territory.
Conflict threatens global energy security
The renewed fighting has intensified concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.
US officials say recent military operations are intended to protect commercial shipping and prevent Iran from threatening freedom of navigation.
Iran, however, has accused Washington of seeking control over the vital waterway.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the United States was using the conflict to justify greater military dominance in the Gulf.
The conflict began after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iranian nuclear, missile and military infrastructure earlier this year, saying the operations were aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and limiting support for its regional proxy groups.
Iran’s Health Ministry said at least 50 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in US strikes over the past three weeks.
The fighting has raised fears of wider regional instability, with repeated attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial shipping contributing to volatility in global oil markets and concerns over inflation.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory for American citizens, warning of possible flight disruptions, airspace closures and the risk of further escalation across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states jointly called on Iran to immediately halt attacks on commercial shipping and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, underscoring growing international concern over the potential economic and security consequences of a prolonged conflict.
