The United States launched fresh strikes against targets in Iran on Tuesday, triggering a missile and drone response from Tehran as fighting resumed after a month-long pause.
The renewed US-Iran conflict has heightened fears of a broader regional war, pushed oil prices higher and created fresh political challenges for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.
President Donald Trump warned Iran against retaliating. He said Tehran would face a much stronger response if it attacked US forces or American interests.
US Central Command said the strikes followed Iranian attempts to target commercial vessels and US military forces in the Middle East.
Trump separately told Fox News that US forces had targeted Iranian radar systems. He said American forces waited until Iran had nearly rebuilt the systems before striking them.
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One of the reported US strikes hit a home in Kuhestak, in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province, during a wedding ceremony.
Local officials initially said at least two people were killed and dozens injured. Iranian Red Crescent rescue officials later reported that four people, including a child, had died.
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Ahmad Nafisi, deputy governor of Hormozgan province, said at least 50 people were injured.
US Central Command did not immediately comment on the reports.
Iranian state media accused Washington of striking civilian locations along the southern coast, including an airport and other facilities.
Iran Vows Further Retaliation
Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff and joint military command vowed to deliver what they described as “crushing and devastating blows” against the United States.
State-run IRNA quoted the Revolutionary Guard as saying the latest attacks had strengthened Iran’s determination to resist Washington.
The Revolutionary Guard also warned that Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could become tighter.
Explosions were reported in several locations along Iran’s southern coast, including Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island.
Bandar Abbas hosts major naval and air force facilities and is one of Iran’s key port cities.
Witnesses told The Associated Press that the explosions appeared stronger than those reported on Sunday. Smoke was also seen rising over the eastern part of the city.
Civilian Sites Reported Damaged
Iranian state television reported that US strikes hit a fishmeal factory on Qeshm Island.
It also reported strikes on a fishing pier and a tower operated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization in Sirik.
Another strike was reported near Jiroft Airport in Kerman province.
Iranian officials said the projectile landed outside the runway. They reported no casualties or damage to airport infrastructure.
Iran’s electricity-grid operator, Tavanir, said parts of the power network in Hormozgan province were damaged.
Authorities were working to restore electricity in affected areas.
Strait of Hormuz Faces Fresh Pressure
The latest escalation has again focused attention on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass through the waterway.
Iran has effectively restricted shipping through the strait since the conflict intensified. Washington and Tehran remain locked in a confrontation over the strategically vital route.
The renewed fighting has also pushed oil prices higher.
Crude prices were already about 7% higher for the week before Tuesday’s strikes and continued to rise afterward.
Oil prices have climbed by more than 50% since the start of the year, adding pressure to fuel costs in the United States.
According to AAA, the national average price of regular gasoline rose overnight to about $4.10 a gallon, compared with $3.19 during the same period last year.
The latest exchange of strikes has raised concerns that the conflict could widen further, particularly if Iran continues retaliatory attacks or increases pressure on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
