US launches eighth consecutive night of strikes on Iran after Jordan attack

The United States military carried out its eighth consecutive night of air strikes against Iran, targeting air-defense installations, missile and drone storage sites and infrastructure in the south, according to U.S. Central Command. The attacks were described as a swift punishment for the killing of two American soldiers and the disappearance of a third in Jordan.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told podcaster Javad Mogouyee that security gaps that allowed an Israeli strike on Tehran’s leadership compound in February remain unaddressed, and that plans to close the Strait of Hormuz were prepared from the first day of the leader’s death. He said he has not yet met the newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Since early July, the conflict has escalated: Iran fired on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC closed the strait after a warning shot, and both sides exchanged missile and drone attacks on bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and other locations. The United States has struck targets including a railway bridge, a water-pumping station in Khuzestan, a power plant on Kish Island and a desalination facility in Hormozgan province. Iranian state media reported civilian casualties and damage to bridges and a maritime control tower.

Regional forces reported intercepting Iranian strikes, and Jordan’s army said it shot down four missiles. Kuwait said Iranian attacks hit a power generation and water-desalination plant. The United States indicated it will re-impose a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

"We will strike U.S. military bases; understand that this action is against America," Araghchi said, referring to Iran’s response plans.

Negotiations on the nuclear issue continue, but both sides have accused each other of violating a recent memorandum of understanding. The situation remains volatile, with both military actions and diplomatic talks ongoing.