LONDON: Fresh US Strikes Target Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict
The US military announced on Wednesday that it has conducted new airstrikes in Iran, escalating a war that has already drawn in multiple countries over the past five months. The strikes began at 8:00 p.m. ET (0000 GMT) and were described as a strong response to recent Iranian attacks on US forces in the Middle East.
Earlier on the same day, a drone reportedly hit a US-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta. A British maritime security firm was among the first to report the incident, although Egypt’s petroleum ministry confirmed only that there was a fire at the port without mentioning the drone attack. The identity of the attackers remains unclear.
The ongoing conflict is widening as Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen recently announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. In response to Iranian missile fire at US troops in Jordan and strikes at ships in the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump indicated a strong response was necessary, pledging to “hit them very hard” while still expressing a desire for a peace deal with Tehran.
This current war began in February when the US and Israel initiated a bombing campaign in Iran, initially expected to last just a few weeks. A ceasefire attempt in June fell apart amid ongoing tensions over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
As the conflict escalates, oil prices surged on Wednesday, with Brent crude futures climbing over 8% and surpassing $90 a barrel, following fears of widening hostilities.
In Iraq, the collaboration between US and Saudi forces marked this as a significant point in the conflict. Iraqi paramilitary groups, backed by Iran, reported that at least 20 of their members were killed and many others injured in the joint strikes. Demonstrators in Iraq expressed their anger, chanting “Death to America!” as they mourned the loss of fighters.
The strikes are seen as retaliation for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities believed to have been launched from Iraq. Following these events, Saudi Arabia’s defense minister met with US officials, advising against escalating the conflict to prevent further risks.
Despite Iran’s denials regarding missile strikes from Iraqi territory, reports noted casualties among Iranian advisers in the recent attacks.
In Iraq, a growing divide exists as the Shi’ite-led government attempts to maintain relations with both Iran and the US. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called for restraint and urged a focus on avoiding regional conflicts, while Iraqi officials condemned the strikes as violations of the nation’s sovereignty.
Complicating this situation further, hundreds of thousands of Iranian pilgrims are currently visiting Iraq for an annual religious observance, showcasing the deep ties these two countries share.
Concerns continue as US military defenses reported having intercepted additional Iranian missile threats aimed at American troops stationed in Jordan, where the situation remains tense following recent losses.
