U.S. strikes Iran after attack kills two American troops

The United States launched fresh strikes against Iran on Saturday, targeting forces blamed for a missile and drone attack that killed two American service members in Jordan, Bloomberg reported.
US Central Command said the operation was intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps units responsible for Friday’s attack.

Four other American troops were wounded, and one remained missing. The latest deaths raised the US military toll to 16 since the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran began on February 28.

Tehran responded by formally abandoning an interim peace agreement reached last month. The deal had established a 60-day ceasefire as Washington and Tehran negotiated the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei accused Washington of repeatedly violating the memorandum and warned that the US would receive “unforgettable lessons.”

A week of retaliatory strikes has expanded beyond military targets to bridges, utilities, desalination plants, and port facilities. Iranian officials said 50 people had been killed and more than 500 injured in US attacks since June 27.

Iran also launched attacks against Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar. Kuwaiti officials reported damage and a fire at a power generation and desalination facility, prompting Kuwait Airways to reschedule most flights.

The US State Department advised Americans to reconsider travel to or through the Middle East, citing the risk of unforeseen escalation and potential flight disruptions.

Energy markets reflected the increased threat to regional supplies. Brent crude rose about 4.6% on Friday to settle near $88 a barrel, posting its strongest weekly gain since April.

Washington has resumed its blockade of Iranian ports and withdrawn a sanctions waiver covering the country’s oil exports. Iran continues to insist that commercial vessels obtain permission before passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US is also sending more refuelling aircraft to Israel, potentially expanding its capacity for longer-range operations. China and Pakistan called on both sides to halt attacks and resume negotiations.