The US continues to strike Iranian territory despite ongoing diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a new series of attacks, and Iranian media reported explosions in the cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The administration of President Donald Trump intends to continue the military operation as long as the White House chief deems it necessary. Meanwhile, negotiations between the US and Iran continue.
The escalation came after one of the worst weekends for the US military since the conflict began. Over the weekend, the number of US troops killed reached 17. More than 430 soldiers have been wounded since the start of the war, with most having returned to duty.
US President Donald Trump said Iran will face a harsh response for the deaths of American servicemen.
"Every time Iran kills an American soldier, it pays for that killing many times over. This order has been conveyed to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Daniel Kane," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
According to Reuters, after a brief truce in early July, the intensity of hostilities has increased again. The US continues to strike Iranian targets, and Iran responds with attacks on American forces and facilities of Washington's allies in the Middle East.
Additional tension in the region was created by a statement from Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis. They announced the imposition of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, which could open a new front in the conflict and threaten global oil supplies and international trade.
If the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is completely blocked, global oil supplies could drop by about 7%. After the Houthi statement, oil prices briefly rose but then partially fell amid hopes for a resumption of diplomatic talks between the US and Iran.
Tehran confirmed that it received new ceasefire proposals through intermediaries. According to Reuters, Pakistan also joined the mediation efforts, with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arriving there for negotiations.