US completes eighth consecutive night of strikes on Iran as regional conflict deepens

WEB DESK: The United States said it completed its eighth consecutive night of military strikes against Iran after confirming that two US service members were killed and another went missing following an Iranian attack in Jordan.

The latest escalation comes after an interim ceasefire agreement signed last month collapsed, raising fears of a return to full-scale conflict between Washington and Tehran.

According to Iranian officials, Tehran has suspended its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding after accusing the United States of continuing attacks on key infrastructure despite the agreement.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the country was no longer implementing the memorandum and was focused on defending itself against continued military operations.

US Central Command said the latest wave of airstrikes began on Saturday evening on the orders of President Donald Trump and targeted Iranian coastal surveillance systems, air defence facilities and military infrastructure aimed at reducing Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian media reported US strikes near Sirik in southern Iran and near Shadegan close to the Iraqi border, though authorities said no casualties or major infrastructure damage had been recorded in those attacks.

In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks against US military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Iranian state media claimed attacks targeted Al-Adiri Camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, as well as Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan.

The US military confirmed that two American service members were killed in Jordan while another remains missing. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to the personnel, saying their sacrifice had strengthened America’s resolve.

Kuwait said it intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones, while its national oil company reported damage to one energy facility and injuries among emergency responders.

Read More: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrives in Pakistan for first official visit

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for destroying US military equipment, including aircraft stationed at regional bases, although these claims have not been independently verified.

Saudi Arabia also activated air raid warning systems in parts of the country after reports of possible missile threats, though Iranian officials did not acknowledge launching attacks on Saudi territory.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a statement accusing Washington of violating its commitments and warned the United States of heavier consequences if military operations continued.

The conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, has significantly disrupted regional security and global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes, remains at the centre of the confrontation.

Iran’s Health Ministry said recent US strikes have killed at least 50 people and injured more than 500 over the past three weeks.

The European Union and Gulf states have jointly called on Iran to halt attacks on commercial shipping and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, urging all parties to avoid further escalation.