The latest
The US-Iran conflict entered a more dangerous phase after two American service members were killed and a third went missing in a ballistic missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. They were the first US troops killed by hostile fire since the April truce, bringing the American military death toll in the war to 16.
The United States launched a retaliatory operation lasting more than five hours, marking its eighth consecutive night of strikes on Iran. Central Command said the attacks targeted Revolutionary Guard forces responsible for the Jordan assault, along with coastal surveillance, air-defense and maritime facilities and missile and drone storage sites.
Iran continued attacking US bases and American allies, targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Oil facilities and power and desalination plants were damaged in Kuwait, while Tehran launched further attacks against Camp Arifjan and the Buehring and Ali Al Salem bases. The escalation comes as negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz have effectively collapsed and Washington has reinstated its blockade of Iranian ports.
Details
- US casualties: Four additional service members were hospitalized in Jordan and later discharged, while personnel with minor injuries returned to duty.
- Strike locations: US attacks reportedly hit Qeshm Island and the southern cities of Shadegan, Sirik and Hajiabad.
- Civilian infrastructure: Iran reported damage to bridges, roads and a desalination plant in Jask, potentially leaving about 10,000 people without water.
- Kuwait: The attacks caused damage, injuries and fires, forcing Kuwait Airways to reschedule most of its flights.
- Saudi Arabia: Iran said it targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, while warnings were issued for Al-Kharj and Yanbu.
- Deal abandoned: Tehran said it was no longer bound by the memorandum, accusing Washington of undermining its control over Hormuz.
Between the lines
The deaths increase pressure on Trump to respond forcefully while narrowing his political room to step back. As attacks increasingly reach civilian, energy and water infrastructure, a confrontation centered on Hormuz risks becoming a regional war that neither side can easily contain.
What to watch
Attention will turn to the scale of the next US response, the fate of the missing service member and whether Washington begins striking major energy and infrastructure targets. Continued Iranian attacks on Gulf states and their impact on shipping, oil prices and diplomacy will also be critical.
