The fragile pause in the Iran-U.S. conflict has shattered, with a new wave of American strikes triggering Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Middle East and raising fresh fears that the war could spiral into an even wider regional confrontation.
Iran’s health minister said 18 people were killed and 108 wounded in the latest U.S. strikes carried out on Tuesday night, according to Iranian state media and Channel NewsAsia. Among the dead were civilians, including victims of a strike that hit a wedding gathering in Kuhestak near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian Red Crescent reported that four people were killed and 67 wounded at the wedding. The victims reportedly included two children. The United States has not confirmed that the wedding was deliberately targeted, and U.S. Central Command has said it is reviewing reports surrounding the incident.
The latest U.S. operation targeted Iranian military capabilities, including air-defense systems, radar installations, maritime assets and equipment that Washington said could be used to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against U.S. positions and facilities in several countries, including Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq. Kuwait also reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, highlighting how quickly the confrontation is spreading beyond Iran’s borders.
The escalation comes after a month-long lull in major fighting and follows months of conflict that have already placed enormous pressure on both countries and the wider region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the confrontation. The strategically vital waterway normally carries roughly one-fifth of global oil trade, and disruptions there have already pushed energy prices higher and increased fears over the impact on the global economy. AP reported that Brent crude had climbed to around US$95 a barrel as fighting intensified.
The renewed attacks also threaten to deepen an already costly war. Reuters reported that the conflict has produced thousands of deaths, including a substantial civilian toll, while millions have been displaced by the broader fighting and Israeli military operations in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is prepared to launch additional strikes, while Iranian officials have vowed retaliation. That exchange of threats has sharply reduced hopes that the June interim ceasefire arrangements can quickly restore stability.
For civilians caught between the two sides, however, the renewed fighting is already producing its most immediate consequence: another wave of deaths, injuries and destruction.
And with military operations now again reaching strategic areas around the Strait of Hormuz, the biggest question is no longer whether the conflict has resumed — but how far the next escalation could go.
WWC ONE MEDIA MJE
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