The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified overnight with fresh American airstrikes across multiple locations in Iran, while Tehran claimed it had shot down a US MQ-9 drone and vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut “until the US ends its aggression”.

The latest escalation also saw new military moves across the wider Middle East, including attacks near Iraq and fresh US arms approvals for Gulf allies.

Fresh strikes hit multiple Iranian locations

According to reports, explosions were heard in several parts of Iran, including Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Konarak, Rask City, Khondab and Khorramabad. Air defence systems were also activated in Tehran to counter what state media described as hostile threats.

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Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that Shahid Baghaei Hospital in Ahvaz was hit during the strikes, damaging its children’s cancer treatment department. The facility, which provides chemotherapy to cancer patients, including children, was evacuated following the attack.

Iranian officials also said an army barracks was struck, leaving at least seven troops dead. Overall, Tehran said American strikes have killed at least 35 people and injured more than 300.

Meanwhile, the US military said it targeted Iranian military capabilities that threatened commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM) also announced that one of its aircraft stopped an empty oil tanker attempting to break the naval blockade on Iran’s ports.

According to CENTCOM, Hellfire missiles were fired into the smokestack of the Curacao-flagged M/T Belma, after which “The ship is no longer transiting to Iran,” it said on X.

Iran claims drone interception, attacks expand

Iran responded by announcing military action against US interests and allies in the region.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, while Jordan reported intercepting three Iranian missiles. The IRGC also claimed it had brought down an “enemy” MQ-9 drone over Andimeshk using a new air defence system operated by its aerospace force.

In neighbouring Iraq, Kurdish authorities said the US-led coalition intercepted eight explosive-laden drones over Erbil, where explosions were heard near the US consulate. No casualties were reported.

US backs Gulf allies with new defence packages

As tensions continued to rise, the US State Department announced that it had “made a determination approving a possible” $1.96 billion weapons package for Saudi Arabia and a separate $484 million aircraft sustainment package for Kuwait.

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The Saudi proposal includes Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections, launchers, training, spare parts and logistical support. The Kuwait package covers maintenance, software, equipment and support services for C-17 aircraft. Both proposals will undergo congressional review before any final approval.

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A Children’s Cancer Hospital has been damaged in US strikes in southern Iran | Screengrab/X/@IranObserver0

Trump hints at more military action

Speaking after the latest strikes, President Donald Trump said Iran appeared willing to negotiate.

“They don’t like what we’re doing, and they do want to settle. We’ll find out whether or not we settle with them or we just finish it off,” he said at the US Army War College.

Later, in an interview with Fox News, Trump warned of further attacks, saying, “Next week it gets really bad for them.”

Despite the military escalation, diplomatic channels remain open. However, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf questioned the future of the ongoing talks, stating, “A memorandum of understanding only has meaning when its clauses are valid and being implemented.”

He added, “If Iran is not to derive any benefit from the memorandum of understanding, we have no reason to adhere.”

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis, with reduced shipping traffic continuing to raise concerns over global energy supplies as both sides maintain pressure through military and diplomatic means.

FAQs:

What did Iran claim after the latest US strikes?

Iran said it shot down a US MQ-9 drone and targeted American interests in the region.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important in the conflict?

It is a key global oil shipping route, and disruptions there can affect energy supplies and prices.