Key facts
- Eight Iranian Army personnel were killed in overnight US strikes in southern Iran.
- The strikes targeted Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Qeshm Island.
- US Central Command stated the strikes were a response to attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US operation targeted over 80 sites, including air defence systems and radar installations.
- Iran claimed to have retaliated by targeting US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.
- The US revoked its temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.
Eight members of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army were killed in overnight US strikes targeting southern Iran, according to Iranian state media. The strikes hit Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Qeshm Island.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the operation was launched in response to attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military reported targeting more than 80 sites, including air defence systems, coastal radar installations, and fast boats.
This escalation follows renewed fighting in the Gulf region, marking a significant exchange between the United States and Iran. The US also announced it had revoked its temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of violating a Memorandum of Understanding, citing the renewed sanctions, the strikes in southern Iran, and alleged violations related to Iranian adjustments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier reports indicated that Lieutenant Hamidreza Dehghani of the Iranian navy was killed in a US attack on the port of Jask. Separately, Guardsman Mohammadreza Khazini was identified as an early casualty of retaliatory strikes.