US Launches Airstrikes Against Iran, Casualties Mount Amid Escalating Conflict
Washington targets Iranian coastal facilities as Tehran retaliates with drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait, raising regional tensions.
Carla Rooney
The United States launched air strikes against Iran on Saturday night, targeting coastal surveillance and air defense facilities, as the conflict escalates with mounting casualties on both sides.
This renewed aggression followed the collapse of a preliminary deal struck in June between Washington and Tehran, an agreement that unraveled within weeks.
The agreement aimed to establish a framework for a permanent peace deal; its failure directly led to the US reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, effectively halting crude oil shipments.
The violation of repeated promises regarding the memorandum of understanding signed between the presidents of Iran and the United States proved the US president's signature held no value.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated the violation of repeated promises regarding the memorandum of understanding signed between the presidents of Iran and the United States proved the US president's signature held no value.
Meanwhile, Iran announced drone attacks against two American military installations in Kuwait on Sunday morning.
Iran's military claimed responsibility for attacks on an ammunition storage facility at Camp Udairi and radar and air surveillance systems at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.
Separately, Kuwait reported a water desalination plant suffered attack for a second consecutive day; its military stated air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles and drones following 'sinful Iranian aggression.'
Beyond the military engagements, Kuwait also reported Iranian strikes damaged an oil facility and a power and water plant, forcing several electricity generation units offline.
Historically, the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, sees a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded pass through its waters in peacetime.
Tehran sought authority over navigation and passage fees for oil tankers, while Donald Trump insisted on unrestricted access through the strategically vital waterway.
On the ground, authorities evacuated the international airport and seaport in Aqaba, Jordan, due to a specific and credible threat.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base (Azraq), a joint Royal Jordanian Air Force and US Air Force installation, faced targeting in Jordan.
Bahrain's air defense systems successfully blocked an Iranian attack.
The International Atomic Energy Agency investigates reports of an attack on a construction site where Iran intended to build a nuclear power station.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the site was in the very early stages of construction and contained no nuclear material during its last visit.
The latest wave of US strikes concluded at 11:30 PM ET, marking the eighth consecutive night of strikes against Iran.
Unforgettable lessons.
Iran warned of a 'full-scale offensive' should U.S. attacks continue, with a statement issued on behalf of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warning of 'unforgettable lessons.'