President Donald Trump said US forces struck Iran “very hard” in overnight attacks conducted in honor of three American service members killed recently. The latest operation marked the ninth consecutive night of US strikes. Regional tensions continued to escalate across the Middle East.
US Central Command said the strikes targeted Iranian military sites and communications networks. According to the US military, the operation aimed to reduce Tehran’s ability to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities.
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Trump said the strikes honored two US soldiers killed in Jordan and one service member killed in Iraq. Meanwhile, the Pentagon identified two of the victims as Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, and Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25. A third service member remains unaccounted for following the Jordan attack.
Iran said it responded with what it described as a surprise attack in Syria. Additionally, Tehran claimed it targeted US aircraft at Jordan’s Aqaba Airport. Kuwait also reported intercepting Iranian drones during the latest escalation.
Iranian media reported strikes in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr, and Bandar Imam Khomeini. Moreover, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed two oil tankers exploded while crossing the Strait of Hormuz. However, US Central Command disputed that account.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to diplomacy despite the ongoing conflict. However, he accused Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage. He also urged the international community to help safeguard the strategic waterway.
The latest exchanges come after a ceasefire arrangement reached in June collapsed. Therefore, prospects for renewed negotiations remain uncertain as military operations continue. The conflict is increasing concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.