The US launched fresh airstrikes on Iran after two American troops were killed in Jordan, while Tehran retaliated with drone attacks on US military bases in Kuwait, escalating Middle East tensions.
Washington/Tehran: The United States and Iran exchanged another round of military strikes on Saturday, further escalating tensions in the Middle East after two US service members were killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s coastal surveillance systems, air defence facilities, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military assets. The US military said the operation aimed to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and punish the IRGC units allegedly responsible for the deadly attack in Jordan.
Iranian state media confirmed that Qeshm Island, located in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, was among the locations hit during the latest US strikes.
Iran Launches Drone Attacks on US Bases
In retaliation, Iran claimed it carried out large-scale drone attacks on two American military installations in Kuwait — Camp Udairi and Ali Al Salem Air Base. Iranian media reported that the attacks were conducted using kamikaze drones, though US authorities have not immediately confirmed the extent of any damage.
The latest exchange marks the eighth consecutive night of military strikes between the two countries, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
US Confirms Military Casualties
CENTCOM confirmed that two American service members were killed while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan. A third US service member remains missing.
Out of respect for the families, the US military said the identities of the deceased soldiers would be withheld until their next of kin had been formally notified.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the fallen troops, stating that their sacrifice had strengthened America’s resolve to respond to further attacks.
The latest casualties bring the total number of US military personnel killed in the ongoing conflict to 16, following the recent confirmation that a missing US Navy pilot had also died.
Ceasefire Collapse Intensifies Conflict
The renewed hostilities come just weeks after Washington and Tehran had reached a preliminary ceasefire agreement in June. However, the truce collapsed after both sides accused each other of violating its terms.
The situation worsened after the United States reimposed restrictions on Iranian ports, while Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, significantly raising concerns over global energy supplies and international shipping.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict remain stalled, as both nations continue military operations amid growing international concern over regional stability.
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