DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran fired missiles at U.S. allies in the Gulf early Wednesday after American bombardment that Iranian officials claim included a strike on a wedding party. This escalation follows a month of reduced fighting in a six-month conflict that has increased oil prices and created political challenges for U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections.
The violence escalated after the U.S. military targeted Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, asserting that Iran intended to use them to deploy mines in the waterway. In response, Iran launched missiles at American bases in Jordan, which were intercepted.
American military resources are reportedly strained, and political pressure in Washington is increasing, while Iran's economy is struggling. The Iranian currency reached a record low on Wednesday, with traders exchanging 2.20 million rials for one U.S. dollar, marking a 10% increase from the previous week.
Hamidreza Azizi, a senior Iran analyst at the Crisis Group, noted that neither side can sustain the current situation indefinitely, suggesting that one side may feel compelled to escalate to break the cycle of conflict.
The recent violence comes as the situation seems to be shifting in favor of the U.S., with oil prices around $80 per barrel and Iranian leaders acknowledging economic difficulties. U.S. Central Command's Adm. Brad Cooper stated that the strait had been cleared of mines and that the U.S. Navy had assisted nearly 1,500 commercial vessels carrying approximately 750 million barrels of oil in recent months, although this is still below prewar levels.
Since the resumption of fighting, the price of Brent crude oil has risen to around $95, an increase of more than 30% since the conflict began.
Following the strikes on Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain reported missile attacks but did not report any casualties. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that Iran's new strategy would disrupt its adversaries.
In Iraq, Kurdish authorities intercepted 10 explosive-laden drones in the Irbil area, while Iranian television reported that American bases in Irbil were targeted. Israel's military stated that Hezbollah fired two explosive drones at its soldiers in southern Lebanon, causing no casualties.
U.S. Central Command confirmed that Tuesday's strikes targeted Iranian military assets, including air defense systems and maritime assets. One U.S. strike reportedly hit a home hosting a wedding in Kuhestak, resulting in four fatalities — two women and two children aged 4 and 16 — and at least 68 injuries, according to Iranian state media. The number of casualties reported by Iranian officials varied, with initial reports stating five fatalities.
Security camera footage captured heavy explosions in Kuhestak, and images from Iranian media showed injured children receiving treatment in a nearby hospital. Two weapons experts indicated that missile fragments shown in Iranian media were from a U.S.-made SLAM-ER cruise missile, which is known for its precision.
Ebrahim Azizi, chairperson of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated that the U.S. actions would not go unpunished. U.S. Central Command spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins acknowledged awareness of the reports from Iranian state media but did not confirm if a formal investigation would be launched.
Iran reported that four members of its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and 10 members of the Basij forces were killed in the U.S. attacks. During the recent lull in fighting, the U.S. increased economic pressure on Iran while seeking to maintain open access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade.
On Wednesday, Saudi shipping company Bahri reported that two Filipino sailors were killed in an attack while transiting the strait. A ceasefire deal reached in June collapsed amid ongoing strikes, and Pakistan has been mediating efforts to restart negotiations.
Late Tuesday, Trump stated he would not compel Iran to negotiate, expressing satisfaction with the current U.S. position regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's economic situation.