US strikes Iran for 12th consecutive night; two killed in missile attack

United States military forces carried out strikes on targets in western Iran late on Wednesday (July 22, 2026), marking the 12th successive night of American attacks under President Donald Trump's direction. Iranian state media reported that missiles struck locations near the cities of Ahvaz, Ramshir and Andimeshk, with two people killed in a strike on the town of Shalamcheh on the Iraqi border early on Thursday.

The United States Central Command said the attacks were intended to “further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters.” The US has been pushing to regain control over the Strait of Hormuz and restore the flow of international shipping, which has been disrupted by the ongoing conflict.

In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on social media that his country would adopt an “eye for an eye” defence doctrine. “Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday.

The strikes come amid rising tensions between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian infrastructure. The US attacks have focused on military and strategic sites, but Iranian reports indicate civilian casualties have occurred. The Iranian government has not yet confirmed the full extent of damage or casualties from the latest strikes.

International observers have called for restraint, warning that the conflict could escalate further and destabilise the broader West Asia region. The United Nations has urged both parties to return to diplomatic channels to avoid a wider war. As of now, no formal peace talks have been announced.