DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – The U. S. military announced that it conducted new airstrikes against Iran on Sunday to “swiftly punish” the country’s Revolutionary Guard after an assault on a base in Jordan resulted in the deaths of two American service members, left one unaccounted for, and sent four others to the hospital.
The strikes aimed to further undermine Iran’s capability to control oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to U. S. Central Command. This vital waterway represented about 20% of global oil supplies before the conflict began. Iran effectively blocked shipping traffic through the strait following U. S. and Israeli attacks that started on February 28.
These latest strikes followed the announcement of troop fatalities from direct Iranian fire for the first time since early in the war, after a drone and missile strike targeted a base in Jordan on Friday. The identities of those killed have not been released, and Central Command did not provide additional details regarding their deaths.
Since fighting began, 16 U. S. service members have lost their lives, with over 430 injured.
The ongoing conflict centers largely around controlling access through the Strait of Hormuz where broadening military actions now threaten civilian lives along with essential infrastructure like desalination plants crucial for drinking water supplies while creating fresh economic concerns worldwide.
The United States has breached terms laid out under previous agreements prompting Gharibabadi-the deputy foreign minister-to inform national TV audiences regarding Tehran no longer adhering either.
There hasn’t been any updates related mediation efforts recently.
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Targets Focused on Southern Iran
An area near Sirik along the Strait of Hormuz was hit around 1:30 a. m. local time, as reported by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency citing local officials in southern Hormozgan province. Additionally, a site near Hajiabad was struck and explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, according to IRNA. An area near Qeshm Island within the strait also came under fire according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB. On Saturday, Iranian state media indicated that U. S. airstrikes had impacted an electricity and desalination plant in Hormozgan and caused damage to tunnels and bridges disrupting major routes toward Bandar Abbas, which is home to Iran’s primary port located at the narrowest part of the strait. Trump has threatened to target power stations and bridges in Iran as leverage to urge Tehran to relax its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. Over the past week, there has also been a renewed naval blockade imposed by the U. S. on Iranian ports aimed at halting crude oil shipments; military officials stated they redirected five ships and disabled one during this period. Iranian officials claimed Saturday that at least 50 people have died and over 500 have been wounded due to U. S. strikes over recent weeks including eight fatalities from a bridge strike last Friday.Iraqi Kurdish Region Also Affected
In nearby Iraq, an early Sunday drone strike targeted a base belonging to the Kurdistan Freedom Party-a group opposed to Iranian rule-near Irbil wounding eight members according to Rebaz Sharifi, a military official from that group. Residents in Irbil-the capital city of Iraq’s semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region-also reported hearing explosions linked with air defenses during early hours Sunday. Irbil has faced multiple drone attacks over recent days coinciding with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington last week amid rising tensions between both nations. No organization has taken credit for these assaults; however, historically both Iran and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have carried out attacks within this Kurdish area where both U. S. troops and armed Kurdish groups operate.Iran Warns Against Continued Attacks
Minutes prior to the announcement concerning troop casualties earlier Saturday morning Iran’s supreme leader cautioned that there would be “unforgettable lessons” if assaults against his nation persist. The remarks aired via state television were attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei who remains unseen since hostilities commenced; he deemed President Donald Trump’s signature “worthless and invalid.” An Iranian negotiator conveyed that Tehran was suspending its obligations under an interim deal established about a month ago intended for ending hostilities permanently. This declaration from Tehran severed another fragile connection as prospects for peace appear dimmer than ever before while Khamenei signaled warnings not only from within Iran but also from allied armed groups across regions dubbing them collectively as part of an “Axis of Resistance.” In response to escalating tensions globally-the U. S.-issued travel advisories for citizens abroad.The ongoing conflict centers largely around controlling access through the Strait of Hormuz where broadening military actions now threaten civilian lives along with essential infrastructure like desalination plants crucial for drinking water supplies while creating fresh economic concerns worldwide.
The United States has breached terms laid out under previous agreements prompting Gharibabadi-the deputy foreign minister-to inform national TV audiences regarding Tehran no longer adhering either.
There hasn’t been any updates related mediation efforts recently.
Increasing Dangers for American Soldiers
The most recent confirmed death among American forces involved an aircraft pilot whose helicopter went down over Arabian Sea earlier this month; initial losses included six soldiers resulting from an Iranian drone hitting command center stationed within Kuwait plus additional fatalities elsewhere related attack incidents at bases situated throughout Saudi Arabia alongside tragic accidents involving refueling aircraft crashing while deployed into Iraq. On Saturday significant damages incurred during operations occurred primarily within Kuwait affecting local desalination facilities alongside vital oil installations per statements made by relevant authorities based there as well respective petroleum corporations declining specifics surrounding exact locations affected. This marks second instance targeting key freshwater systems observed just days apart impacting daily life relying heavily upon external sources such plants generate nearly ninety percent potable options available currently amidst cries urging safer measures taken moving forward ensuring resident safety remains paramount despite growing risks seen emerging nearby environments. Reports indicate several individuals suffered injuries whilst combatting blazes ignited due latest aggressive actions fueling chaotic scenes witnessed across numerous areas involved forcing closures implemented temporarily affecting flight schedules dramatically until threats minimized significantly thereafter. Notably though Jordan confirmed interception effectiveness regarding missiles launched towards kingdom moments elapsed lately similar alarms echoed repeatedly throughout day experienced especially prevalent Bahrain followed earlier notifications surfacing concerning Saudi territories too responding accordingly given nature developing situation unfolding swiftly all parties attempting mitigate consequences arising each passing hour beforehand occurring rapidly leading tense atmospheres felt widely spread around regional backdrop concerned what lies ahead finally transpiring amongst everyone engaged therein without fail witnessing effects ripple outward beyond borders drawn tight meanwhile accusations levied towards Iranians implying possible war crimes committed applicable referencing various infrastructural targets taking heavy hits needing accountability established moving forth eventually soon enough ultimately bringing clarity surrounding matters yet unresolved… Keep it Factual Add City News Toronto as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.Source link
