The U.S. military launched airstrikes on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on Sunday after the killing of American troops in Jordan. This action further heightens tensions between the U.S. and Iran as efforts to reach an interim peace deal fail.
The conflict, which has spanned over a week, began with the control struggle over the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has targeted critical infrastructure in Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation against U.S.-allied nations in the Middle East. Iran’s strikes on power and desalination plants in Kuwait have deeply affected daily life there. Additionally, Iran threatens to expand its attacks, prompting a warning from the UAE. On Sunday, Kuwait and Bahrain activated air defenses in response to threats of Iranian drones and missiles.
A statement from the U.S. Central Command detailed hits on Iranian military surveillance, maritime, and missile storage sites. The objective was to weaken Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and penalize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which holds significant power in Iran.
Video footage released by the U.S. military showed attacks carried out by fighter jets and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Targets included locations in mountainous areas, where the Guard often has military facilities.
Iran has not provided comprehensive details on its losses due to the ongoing U.S. military actions, now entering their eighth day. One Iranian attack on a Jordanian base resulted in the deaths of two American service members, with one missing and four hospitalized. Over the course of the conflict, the U.S. reported 16 service members killed and over 430 wounded. In response, Iranian officials stated that at least 50 people have been killed and more than 500 wounded in recent U.S. strikes.
Nearly every U.S.-allied Gulf state has faced retaliation from Iran, although the UAE remains untouched so far. An Iranian news agency issued a threat against the UAE, warning of possible attacks on major Emirates airports and ports. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry called for restraint to prevent further violence and instability. It condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure, calling it a grave violation of international law.
The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council accused Iran of war crimes due to strikes on civilian targets. Meanwhile, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes against Iran in retaliation.
The conflict’s significance is underscored by the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. campaign aims to pressure Iran by targeting its coastal areas and reimposing naval blockades. The military has redirected and disabled ships to halt Iranian oil shipments.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of serious consequences if the U.S. continues its attacks. An Iranian negotiator announced the suspension of commitments to a recent peace deal. Iran’s joint military command criticized U.S. actions as oppressive, threatening severe reprisals.
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