The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified from Wednesday into Thursday as both sides exchanged military actions, with new US airstrikes targeting southern Iran, Iran reporting fresh casualties, and drone attacks extending into Iraq and Kuwait.
Iran’s Health Ministry said at least 35 people have been killed and around 300 wounded in the latest US attacks. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, most of the casualties were reported in Iran’s southern provinces, where several strategic military and coastal sites have come under repeated attack.
On Wednesday, the US military launched a second wave of strikes against Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was aimed at Iranian military capabilities allegedly used to threaten commercial vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
Following the strikes, explosions were reported in several Iranian cities. Iranian media said blasts were heard in Ahvaz, near the Iraqi border, where US forces have conducted repeated attacks since fighting resumed this month. Additional explosions were reported in the southeastern port city of Chabahar, where Iranian media said US missiles struck a naval watchtower used for maritime security and search-and-rescue operations for fishermen. Further explosions were also reported near the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas after projectiles hit locations in the area.
Iran also announced that it had shot down a US LUCAS drone over Bandar Abbas. State-run Fars News Agency reported that Iranian air defence systems destroyed the drone and intercepted more than 20 enemy drones over Hormozgan province.
The regional conflict also spilled into neighbouring Iraq. Explosions were heard across the northern city of Erbil, with authorities later confirming five separate drone attacks.
According to Erbil police, one drone was intercepted near the US Consulate, causing a fire and activating the mission’s air defence system. Two additional drones crashed near a US military base on the outskirts of the city, while another exploded near the outer wall of Erbil International Airport, temporarily delaying scheduled flights. A fifth drone was shot down over Hariri Air Base, east of Erbil. Iraqi authorities have not identified who was responsible for the attacks.
Meanwhile, Kuwait said it intercepted 21 drones and four cruise missiles launched from Iran on Wednesday. Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said the projectiles targeted several vital facilities, causing material damage but no casualties.
The latest developments mark another significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with military operations now affecting multiple countries across the Gulf region. As both sides continue exchanging strikes, concerns are growing that the conflict could expand further, threatening regional security and international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
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