US launches strikes to ‘punish’ Iran after troops killed

The United States conducted airstrikes on Sunday, aiming to "punish" Iran for the first American military fatalities since hostilities with the Islamic republic intensified. In response, Iran rapidly announced its own retaliation, stating it targeted two US bases in Kuwait.

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swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night

The escalating conflict threatens the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supply, as a preliminary deal to end the war has collapsed. Iran's army reported using drones to strike an ammunition depot at Camp Udairi and radar systems at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. These actions followed Iranian strikes in Jordan, where two US service members were killed defending against drone and missile attacks. Another service member remains missing in action.

These fatalities bring the confirmed US military death toll to 16 since US-Israeli strikes initiated the war on February 28. US Central Command stated the strikes were intended to "swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces" responsible for the attacks in Jordan. Iranian news agencies reported US strikes on Sirik, a port in southern Iran on the Strait of Hormuz.

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unforgettable lesson

Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to teach the Americans an "unforgettable lesson." Senior military adviser Major General Mohsen Rezaei warned of resuming "full-scale offensive operations" if US strikes persist. Iran's central military commander, Ali Abdollahi, cautioned that further US aggression would face a "decisive and devastating response."

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full-scale offensive operations

The renewed violence was initially triggered by Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran subsequently closed. Control over the strait has become a point of leverage in negotiations with Washington, which reimposed its own blockade of Iranian ports. Kuwait has accused Tehran of targeting civilian sites and infrastructure, leading to public concern over the potential for prolonged hostilities and increased demand for essential goods.

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decisive and devastating response