US and Iran Conflict Escalates: 12th Night of Strikes, Two Killed at Iraq Border
The United States military conducted airstrikes on Iran for the 12th consecutive night, targeting locations in the cities of Bushehr, Ahvaz, and Sirik, according to Iranian media reports. The strikes also hit the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq, resulting in two deaths and 11 injuries, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The ongoing US military campaign aims to degrade Iran's ability to threaten maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. US Central Command stated that the latest strikes were intended to protect civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters.
Both sides have increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure. US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that any Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz would be met with the destruction of a bridge or power plant in Iran. In response, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi said Tehran's defence doctrine is an 'eye for an eye'.
Separately, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for an attack on two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea. The rebels said they used cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones, causing fires on board the vessels.
The conflict has driven oil prices higher. Brent crude futures rose by $1.93 to $96 per barrel, the highest since June 8, while US West Texas Intermediate crude increased by $1.44 to $88.27.
The situation remains tense, with no signs of de-escalation. The US has also conducted a transfer ceremony for four soldiers killed in action, underscoring the human cost of the campaign.
