US Military Strikes Targets in Iran, Prompting Iranian Response

WASHINGTON (AP) — Explosions were reported over the southern Jordanian city of Aqaba as Iran stated it was retaliating for U.S. strikes. The blasts occurred late Tuesday following U.S. military actions against targets in Iran earlier in the day, which prompted Tehran to fire missiles and drones in response. The U.S. military conducted strikes on Tuesday that hit a home hosting a wedding, resulting in two fatalities and dozens of injuries, according to local officials. These strikes followed earlier actions on Sunday, marking the end of a month without military engagement and raising concerns about the potential escalation of conflict, which has previously impacted global oil prices and posed challenges for the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The renewed hostilities come after President Donald Trump appeared to shift towards using economic sanctions to influence Iran. Trump warned on social media that if Iran retaliated for what he deemed a justified attack, they would face a stronger response, although he indicated that the largest attack was still planned for the future. U.S. Central Command stated that the latest strikes were in response to Iranian attempts to target commercial ships and U.S. forces in the Middle East. Trump further explained in a phone call with Fox News that U.S. forces targeted Iran's radar systems. Iranian state media reported that U.S. strikes had targeted civilian sites along Iran's southern coast, including a civilian airport. A U.S. strike on a wedding venue in Kuhestak, southern Iran, reportedly killed two people and injured at least 50 others, with local officials stating the death toll had risen to four, including a child. U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these reports. Iran's military has warned of severe consequences, stating that they would deliver 'crushing and devastating blows' against the U.S. The state-run IRNA news agency reported a statement from Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, asserting that the attacks have only strengthened Iran's resolve and tightened their control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. Explosions were reported in various southern Iranian coastal areas, including Bandar Abbas, which houses naval and air force facilities. Witnesses reported stronger explosions compared to those on Sunday. Iranian state television claimed that U.S. strikes had hit a fishmeal factory on Qeshm Island and several civilian sites in Hormozgan province, including a fishing pier and a Ports and Maritime Organization tower. Additionally, it was reported that the U.S. military struck Jiroft Airport in Kerman province, with no casualties or damage to airport infrastructure. Both the U.S. and Iran are vying for control over the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for oil shipping. Oil prices have surged this week due to the renewed conflict, with crude prices rising approximately 7% following the strikes on Tuesday. The price of crude has increased over 50% this year, contributing to a rise in gasoline prices, which reached $4.10 per gallon in the U.S., compared to $3.19 a year ago. The strikes resumed after Iran indicated it would adhere to a ceasefire deal if the U.S. did the same. Prior to the renewed military actions, the Trump administration had maintained that targeting the right economic interests would lead to Iran's capitulation. However, the strikes have resumed even as U.S. stockpiles of advanced interceptors have decreased, and the war remains unpopular among many Americans. A return to open conflict poses risks for the region, where Iran has previously targeted U.S. military bases and infrastructure in Gulf countries. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated earlier Tuesday that Iran was prepared to return to the interim ceasefire agreement reached with the U.S. in June, contingent on the U.S. fulfilling its commitments. Pezeshkian's remarks were made at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan, where he indicated that Iran would reciprocate if the U.S. returned to the memorandum of understanding. The June interim deal called for an immediate ceasefire and initiated a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a more comprehensive agreement.