The United States has carried out airstrikes on Iran for the ninth consecutive night as tensions escalate over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported explosions in several cities, including Sirik, Jask, Tabriz, and Chabahar. Air defenses were activated in southeastern cities such as Konarak and Chabahar in the Sistan and Baluchestan province.

The attacks coincided with the US military announcing the death of a third soldier in recent days. The month-old ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington has deteriorated amid ongoing conflict in the region.

In a statement, the US military said the strikes aimed to "degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels and mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz." Iranian media also reported retaliatory missile strikes from Lorestan province targeting US military assets.

Additionally, Iran has launched attacks on US Gulf allies, causing a fire at a power plant in Kuwait. The conflict has also contributed to power blackouts in Iran amid a heatwave.

This ongoing exchange of fire highlights the fragile and volatile situation in the Gulf region.

Sources