Middle East crisis live: Jordan says it foiled Iranian missile attack as US launches ‘heavy’ strikes on Iran after pause The United States launched a “heavy wave of strikes” against Iran on Thursday, escalating tensions in the Middle East amid fears of a broader conflict. The attacks, carried out by US military forces, targeted dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities, including military command centers, according to US Central Command. The strikes followed a days-long pause in violence between the US and Iran, which had been triggered by Iran’s alleged targeting of American bases in Jordan. The operation was launched hours after President Donald Trump vowed to retaliate “very hard” against Iran, marking a significant shift in the region’s volatile dynamics. Jordan’s military confirmed it had intercepted five Iranian missiles aimed at the kingdom, with no casualties reported. The state news agency reported the incident occurred after the US military announced its strikes. Jordan’s defense against the missile attack came amid a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, which has included missile strikes and drone attacks on several Arab nations, including Kuwait and Jordan, with Iran claiming the attacks were targeting US military installations. The US’s retaliatory strikes were accompanied by joint operations with Saudi Arabia, which targeted Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The Saudi-US strikes killed at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers, according to reports. Saudi Arabia had previously reported drone attacks on its crude oil facilities, which it attributed to Iran-backed groups. The attacks in Iraq, combined with the US strikes in Iran, pushed the region into “uncharted territory,” raising concerns about the potential for all-out war.#saudi_arabia #president_donald_trump #us_central_command #iranian_revolutionary_guard_corps #jordan_military
Two US Troops Killed and One Missing After Iranian Attack in Jordan Two U.S. service members were killed and one remains missing following an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan on Friday, according to military officials. The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that four U.S. personnel were medically evacuated to Jordan hospitals but have since been discharged, while others with minor injuries have returned to duty. Details about the incident, including the identities of the deceased or the exact location of the attack, were not disclosed by U.S. officials. The attack occurred amid renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, which had previously agreed to a temporary ceasefire that collapsed less than a month after its start. The conflict escalated further as Washington reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, and Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, a critical shipping route for global oil and liquefied natural gas. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, criticized the U.S. for violating the agreement, calling the American president’s signature “utterly worthless and devoid of credibility.” Khamenei accused the U.S. of seeking to “escalate the conflict” and warned that Iran would “have unforgettable lessons in store for it.” Jordan’s military reported intercepting 10 Iranian missiles fired into its airspace overnight, though no damage was reported. The U.S. death toll in the conflict has now risen to 16 after an American Navy pilot who went missing earlier this month was declared dead, marking the second increase in the toll this week. Centcom stated that the two killed service members were “in Jordan” and were defending against Iranian attacks, while one remains missing.#iran #pete_hegseth #us_central_command #mojtaba_khamenei #jordan
Global Markets Decline as Crude Oil Prices Soar Near $80 Amid West Asia Tensions Indian equity markets opened lower on Monday as crude oil prices rebounded to near the $80-per-barrel mark amid renewed geopolitical tensions. The Sensex began the session at 76,963.35, down over 600 points or 0.78 percent, while the Nifty started at 24,039.40, declining 167.50 points or 0.69 percent. Sector-wise, most indices traded in the red, with Nifty Auto and Nifty Metal falling up to 1 percent. Nifty Consumer Durables, Nifty PSU Bank, and Nifty Private Bank also faced selling pressure, while Nifty IT and Nifty Pharma bucked the trend, gaining up to 0.6 percent. Market experts noted that the escalating developments in the West Asia crisis have become a recurring source of uncertainty for energy-importing nations like India. IndiGo, Tata Steel, Asian Paints, Shriram Finance, Bajaj Finance, and HDFC Bank were among the top losers. Analysts emphasized that the price of crude remains a critical factor for India’s markets. They stated that as long as Brent crude trades below $90, the market’s impact would remain limited. However, if Brent surpasses $90, a significant correction could follow. The experts also highlighted that sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) inflows are providing resilience to the domestic market. Investors are shifting allocations toward India amid concentration risks in South Korea’s chip sector. On Sunday, US forces used precision munitions to strike dozens of targets across multiple locations in Iran, according to the US Central Command. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have attacked US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. These developments pushed international oil benchmarks higher.#india #brent_crude #us_central_command #iran_revolutionary_guards #west_asia
US Escalates Attacks on Iran, Sparks Fear of Renewed War The United States has significantly increased its military strikes on Iran over the past week, marking the most intense rounds of bombardment since a vague memorandum of understanding was reached last month. US Central Command confirmed that more than 300 military targets were hit during three waves of attacks, including coastal surveillance systems, logistics hubs, communications infrastructure, and critical naval and drone assets. The US has not acknowledged striking civilian objectives, though Iranian officials reported attacks in at least 10 provinces, primarily in southern Iran near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The attacks have targeted major ports like Bandar Abbas and coastal cities such as Qeshm and Jask, with extensive bombing of port, fishing, and coastal-control infrastructure. Reports indicate at least one soldier was killed and multiple fishermen were wounded in separate strikes. In Bushehr province, an attack on the perimeter of Iran’s sole nuclear power plant occurred without damaging the facility. Provincial authorities in Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh, Boyer-Ahmad, and Lorestan also reported projectile attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz “closed” due to US military activity, citing incidents where two vessels using the southern route near Oman were struck. Iran responded by attacking US interests in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, and Oman. The attacks, which included drone strikes and missile launches, reflect Iran’s determination to counter US aggression. In Tehran, life for over 10 million residents has continued largely as usual, though the economy faces challenges and uncertainty.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #islamic_revolutionary_guard_corps #bandar_abbas
Iran Announces End of US-Iran MoU Amid Ongoing Attacks Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Golpayegani, declared on Sunday that the bilateral agreement between Iran and the United States, which had been signed earlier this year, is now terminated. The announcement came in the wake of renewed US military strikes against Iranian targets, with Golpayegani emphasizing that the previous "unilateral" agreement had reached its conclusion. He highlighted the fifth clause of the deal, which pertains to the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Iran would "make its best efforts" to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the waterway without tariffs for 60 days. Golpayegani accused the US of withdrawing from the agreement and declared that the era of unilateral treaties had ended. He warned that Iran would no longer tolerate demands to "keep your mouth shut or pay the price," asserting that the reality of the situation was now evident. This came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) completed its third round of strikes against Iran, following a series of attacks on Iranian military assets in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military operation, which involved precision strikes from land, sea, and air, targeted approximately 140 Iranian military sites. These included missile and drone bases, naval facilities, munitions storage, communication networks, and coastal defense positions. CENTCOM stated that the strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian and commercial vessels passing through the strategic waterway. The recent attacks followed a US strike on a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran blamed for escalating tensions.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #iranian_military #mohammad_bagher_golpayegani
US Launches New Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating Tensions The United States has intensified its military operations against Iran, launching a new round of strikes targeting key infrastructure and military assets in the country. The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, were described by US Central Command as efforts to “further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.” Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik, while the US military confirmed targeting of missile and drone systems that could endanger US assets in the region. The strikes followed a series of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which President Donald Trump claimed had “made the ceasefire over.” During a trip back to Washington, DC, after attending the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump warned on social media that US retaliation would “get much worse” if Iran continued targeting ships in the critical waterway. His comments came as Iranian forces launched strikes on oil tankers and other vessels, prompting the US to escalate its response. Iran’s promised retaliation for the US strikes appears to have begun, with sirens warning of incoming threats sounding in Bahrain and Kuwait. Authorities in Kuwait reported that its air defenses were actively responding to “hostile missile and drone threats,” while Bahrain’s interior ministry urged citizens to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.” Iranian officials had previously warned of a response to the US strikes, and the attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait mark a significant escalation in the conflict. The US military confirmed that its strikes targeted infrastructure critical to Iran’s military capabilities, including a railway bridge outside the city of Aqqala.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #bahrain #us_central_command
US Airstrikes on Iran Escalate Amid Funeral of Former Supreme Leader The United States launched a series of intensified airstrikes against Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the most significant offensive operation since the April ceasefire between the two nations. According to a US official, the strikes targeted over 80 locations, including air defense systems, missile sites, ports, and drone launch areas, with the scale described as "four to five times bigger" than previous attacks. The operation, which lasted several hours, was a direct response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the strategically vital waterway, which the US called acts of international terrorism. The strikes, conducted by US Central Command (CENTCOM), aimed to degrade Iran’s ability to conduct further attacks on international shipping. The agency reported hitting more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats and disrupting coastal radar systems, anti-ship missile capabilities, and command-and-control networks. Explosions were reported in the port cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Qeshm Island, with Al Jazeera citing at least six explosions on Qeshm, between seven and nine in Sirik, and 10 in Bandar Abbas. Iranian media confirmed the attacks, though details on casualties or damage remain unclear. The US decision to escalate military action followed the sinking of three oil tankers near Oman, which prompted the revocation of a temporary sanctions waiver on Iranian oil. This move, combined with the strikes, has intensified pressure on Tehran as it seeks to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict.#strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #iranian_revolutionary_guard_corps #ali_khamenei #ayatollah_mojtaba_khamenei
US Lifts Naval Blockade as Iran's Supreme Leader Criticizes Trump Deal The United States has officially ended its naval blockade of Iran following the signing of a landmark agreement to conclude the ongoing regional conflict. US Central Command confirmed the move on social media, stating it was carried out "in accordance with the President's direction" and noting that some American vessels would remain "in the general area" of the Persian Gulf. The decision marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei expressing cautious approval of the deal despite his reservations. Khamenei, who has not been publicly visible since assuming leadership in March after the death of his predecessor, stated that he had authorized the agreement following assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that the deal would "protect the rights of the Iranian nation." However, he criticized former President Donald Trump for allegedly pushing the agreement "out of desperation," using "all kinds of leverage" to secure it. Khamenei emphasized that while "in-person negotiations" between Tehran and Washington would continue in the future, these talks would not imply "acceptance of the enemy's position." The agreement, which centers on 14 core points, includes provisions such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a commitment to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and the establishment of a $300 billion fund for Iran's "reconstruction and economic development." Notably, the US is not obligated to contribute to the fund. The deal also mandates that both sides work toward a final agreement within a maximum of 60 days, with potential extensions if both parties agree.#strait_of_hormuz #masoud_pezeshkian #us_central_command #mojtaba_khamenei #jd_vance
MEA Summons US Diplomat Again, Protests Against Continued Strikes on Ships with Indian Crew The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi has summoned the United States’ Chargé d’Affaires, Jason Meeks, for the second consecutive day to register its protest against the US military’s continued strikes on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the waters of West Asia. The MEA described the actions as “unacceptable” and warned that they undermine the safety and stability of international maritime commerce, particularly in a region already facing heightened tensions. The protests follow a series of incidents in which US naval forces targeted foreign-flagged tankers suspected of violating sanctions against Iran. On Thursday, the MEA informed Meeks of its “deepest concerns” over the ongoing attacks, emphasizing that the strikes had resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers aboard the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman. Twenty-one crew members were rescued from the vessel after the strike, which the US Central Command acknowledged as part of its efforts to enforce a blockade against maritime traffic linked to Iran. The MEA reiterated its demand that the US military take “all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life” and ensure the safety of maritime operations. Meeks had been summoned on Thursday to address the incident involving the Settebello, and the MEA reiterated its concerns during the second consecutive day of the summons. The ministry also highlighted that the US military had struck another tanker, the Marivex, on Monday, which was carrying 24 Indian seafarers. All crew members were rescued from the vessel, which was allegedly attempting to transport oil from Iran.#us_central_command #ministry_of_externa_affairs #jason_meeks #settebello #marivex
US Conducts Self-Defense Strikes on Iran's Radar and Drone Sites in Gulf Region The United States carried out self-defense strikes against Iranian radar and drone control infrastructure on Goruk and Qeshm Islands in the Persian Gulf over the weekend, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The operation, described as a response to "aggressive" actions by Iran, targeted Iranian air defense systems, a ground command station, and two one-way attack drones. CENTCOM confirmed no U.S. military personnel were harmed in the strikes. The actions followed Iran's shootdown of an American MQ-1 Predator drone operating over international waters, which CENTCOM cited as the immediate trigger for the retaliation. The strikes occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran to extend a ceasefire and secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil trade. CENTCOM’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) detailed the operation, emphasizing that the strikes were a direct response to Iran’s actions. The U.S. military had previously conducted strikes targeting an Iranian drone operation near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to retaliate by attacking a U.S. airbase. While the exact location of the targeted airbase was not specified, Iran’s Fars news agency, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed its forces had destroyed the facility linked to the attack on a telecoms tower on Sirik Island in Hormozgan Province. The conflict escalated further when Kuwait’s air defenses intercepted incoming drone and missile fire early Monday morning. Although no party immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on Kuwait, analysts suggested it was likely carried out by Iran or Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #gulf_region #centcom
Trump has a new Strait of Hormuz plan. The market isn’t buying it The world is desperate for a solution to break up the oil tanker traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration is trying to do that: It announced it had successfully guided two U.S. vessels out of the strait Monday. But its “Project Freedom” does not appear to be the gamechanger that’s needed to end the historic energy crisis. At least, that’s the message from the market. Energy prices did not tumble after President Donald Trump announced the new U.S. effort to “guide” ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil futures climbed higher above $100 a barrel and then went even higher as ships and key energy facilities in the Middle East were targeted on Monday, raising questions about the durability of the ceasefire. And gasoline futures jumped, too, signaling pain at the pump will get worse before it gets better. At this point, the market is betting Project Freedom will not unlock the vast amount of energy trapped in the Middle East. The skepticism reflects a few realities. First, this is not an escort mission: Project Freedom is an effort to “restore freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz that will feature more than 100 land and sea-based aircraft and 15,000 service members, according to U.S. Central Command. While Trump’s announcement shows U.S. officials are rightly focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, this is not a promise to have the U.S. military accompany vessels trying to transit the narrow waterway. In fact, a U.S. official told CNN this will not be an escort mission. Second, Iran says it violates the ceasefire: Officials in Iran quickly responded to Project Freedom by arguing it violates the fragile ceasefire with the United States. Not only that, but Iran appeared to respond by resuming attacks in the region.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #project_freedom
Trump rejects Iran's offer, says blockade stays until nuclear deal President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's proposal to lift the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and postponed nuclear negotiations, insisting the economic pressure will remain until Tehran agrees to a deal addressing U.S. concerns over its nuclear program. The decision marks a significant shift in U.S. strategy, with Trump framing the blockade as a more effective tool than military strikes to compel Iran into concessions. According to sources, Trump has instructed U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to prepare a "short and powerful" military strike plan targeting Iran's infrastructure as a potential contingency if diplomatic efforts fail. The plan, however, has not yet been activated, with Trump reportedly withholding any kinetic action as of Tuesday night. Instead, he has relied on the blockade to exert pressure, claiming it is "somewhat more effective than the bombing" and that Iran is "choking like a stuffed pig." The blockade, which has restricted Iran's oil exports, has reportedly caused significant strain on the country's economy. Trump asserted that Iran's oil storage facilities and pipelines are nearing a critical point, with the regime unable to export crude due to the restrictions. However, some analysts have cast doubt on the immediacy of this threat, suggesting Iran may have contingency plans to mitigate the impact. Trump's public statements emphasize his belief that Iran seeks a deal to lift the blockade, but he has made it clear he will not relent. "They want to settle. They don't want me to keep the blockade. I don't want to [lift the blockade], because I don't want them to have a nuclear weapon," he told Axios.#iran #nuclear_program #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command
Why Are Some Ships Still Passing Through the Strait of Hormuz During the US Blockade? The United States has declared its blockade of Iranian ports as fully implemented, effectively halting most of Tehran’s economic activity within days. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that the blockade has stopped nearly all international trade by sea, citing that 90% of Iran’s economy relies on maritime commerce. According to CENTCOM, no vessels have bypassed the blockade since its enforcement, though reports suggest some commercial traffic is still transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, remains a critical route for 20% of global oil exports and 80% of Iran’s oil shipments. The confusion arises from the legal and operational boundaries of the blockade. While the US has targeted Iranian ports—both inside and outside the Strait—international waterways like the Hormuz are not subject to unilateral blockades under maritime law. This means ships not directly linked to Iran’s economy may still pass through the strait. Additionally, US forces have the capability to intercept vessels carrying Iranian-linked cargo even after they leave the region. For example, oil tankers have been seized in the Indian Ocean, thousands of miles from their origin, demonstrating the reach of the enforcement effort. Analysts emphasize that modern technology allows the US to monitor and intercept ships at great distances. Former Navy Captain Carl Schuster noted that the 12+ warships involved in the blockade are largely stationed far from the strait, equipped with advanced tracking and reconnaissance systems.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #us_navy #institute_for_the_study_of_war
Investors Lose Rs 2 Lakh Crore: Three Reasons Behind Market Crash Today Indian equity benchmarks opened sharply lower on Monday, marking a significant drop in market value as investors faced a sharp decline in asset prices. The total market capitalisation of all BSE Sensex companies fell by over Rs 2 trillion within the first hour of the trading session, with the market cap dropping from Rs 4,51,61,647 on Friday to Rs 4,47,86,459 by 10:40 am on Monday. While the indices pared losses by the closing bell, the total loss of market cap was recorded at Rs 2 trillion. The crash followed a weekend of geopolitical tensions, including the failure of US-Iran ceasefire talks and a surge in global oil prices. The market plunge was triggered by the collapse of ongoing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, which had been held for nearly 21 hours in Islamabad. The talks, which had been expected to resolve lingering disputes, ended without an agreement, leaving investors concerned about the potential for renewed hostilities. This development, combined with other global market cues, contributed to the sharp decline in investor confidence. A key factor in the market crash was the sharp rise in oil prices, driven by a statement from the United States Central Command, which announced plans to enforce a naval blockade around Iranian ports. This move sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with US crude (West Texas Intermediate) surging 8 per cent to $104.24 per barrel and Brent crude jumping 7 per cent to $102.29 per barrel. The surge in oil prices heightened inflation concerns and increased the cost of energy for businesses and consumers, further dampening investor sentiment. The decline in global equity indices also played a role in the market rout. Australia's ASX 200 fell 0.#us_central_command #bse_sensex #us_iran_ceasefire #asx_200 #hang_seng
Missile Launched at Israel from Yemen as Regional Conflict Escalates The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the interception of a missile launched from Yemen, marking the first such attack since the conflict began. The strike, which triggered air defense sirens near Beersheba, comes amid heightened tensions as the Houthi movement in Yemen threatens direct military involvement if attacks on Iran continue. A Houthi military spokesperson warned that the group would enter the war if new alliances align with Washington and Israel against Iran or if the Red Sea is used for hostile operations against Iran. The conflict has already claimed significant civilian lives, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting 1,464 deaths in Iran, including at least 217 children, within the first month. Iranian state media cited casualties from strikes on residential areas and a sports hall in Lamerd, though details remain unclear. Meanwhile, the US military has deployed advanced weaponry, with analysts suggesting state-of-the-art US missiles were used in a deadly strike on Iran’s southern town. The US Central Command and Israeli strikes have targeted infrastructure, including police stations, military facilities, and civilian neighborhoods, raising concerns about collateral damage and civilian resentment. The war has also disrupted regional stability, with Gulf nations reporting fresh strikes and interceptions. The UAE confirmed its air defenses engaged ballistic missiles and drones from Iran, while Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Airbase suffered an Iranian strike that injured 12 US soldiers. The US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed hope for talks with Iran, though Washington awaits a response to a 15-point deal.#iran #saudi_arabia #us_central_command #israel_defense_forces #houthi_movement
अमेरिकी सेना के ईरान युद्ध में भाग लेने के बारे में राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप ने कहा कि अमेरिका अपने अभियानों को "धीरे-धीरे समाप्त करने" पर विचार कर रहा है, लेकिन युद्धविराम (सीज़फायर) नहीं चाहते। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, अमेरिकी सेना ईरान में भूमि बलों की तैनाती के बारे में विचार कर रही है, लेकिन अमेरिकी रक्षा विभाग और यूएस सेंट्रल कमांड ने इस बारे में कोई पुष्टि नहीं की। अमेरिकी रक्षा विभाग ने बीबीसी के सवाल का जवाब नहीं दिया। ईरान युद्ध के बाद ऊर्जा संकट के कारण चीन दूसरे देशों से आगे रह गया है। इसके अलावा, ईरान ने हिंद महासागर में डिएगो गार्सिया पर मिसाइल हमला किया, जिससे भारत के लिए बड़ी चुनौती बन गई। अमेरिकी सुरक्षा गारंटी के बारे में चर्चा भी हो रही है, जिसमें दुबई जैसे शहरों के भ्रम के बारे में बताया गया है। इस आर्टिकल में अमेरिकी सेना के ईरान में भूमि बलों की तैनाती के बारे में अनिश्चितता बनी हुई है, जबकि अमेरिकी रक्षा विभाग और यूएस सेंट्रल कमांड ने इस बारे में कोई जवाब नहीं दिया। इसके अलावा, ईरान युद्ध के प्रभाव और चीन की स्थिति के बारे में भी चर्चा की गई है।#iran #dubai #us_central_command #america #diego_garcia
US F-35 Fighter Jet Makes Emergency Landing After Suspected Iranian Attack A U.S. F-35 fighter jet executed an emergency landing at a U.S. air base in the Middle East following what is believed to be an attack by Iranian fire, according to two sources with knowledge of the incident. The fifth-generation stealth aircraft was reportedly conducting a combat mission over Iran when it was forced to divert, according to Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command. Hawkins confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that the pilot is in stable condition, though the incident is currently under investigation. The event marks the first known instance of Iran successfully engaging a U.S. military aircraft in the ongoing conflict, which began in late February. Both the United States and Israel have deployed F-35s to the region, with each aircraft costing over $100 million. The attack occurred amid continued U.S. claims of progress in its campaign against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted on Thursday that the U.S. is “winning decisively” and that Iran’s air defenses have been “flattened.” The emergency landing highlights the escalating tensions in the region, as the conflict has seen increasing clashes between U.S. and Iranian forces. While officials emphasize the effectiveness of U.S. military operations, the incident underscores the risks faced by pilots and the potential for unintended consequences in the volatile theater. The situation remains under review, with further details expected as the investigation unfolds. This incident adds to a series of developments in the conflict, which has already seen significant casualties and damage to infrastructure on both sides. The U.S. military’s assertion of dominance may now be tested by the reality of direct engagement with Iranian forces.#iran #middle_east #pete_hegseth #us_central_command #f_35
US Military Confirms Aircraft Crash in Iraq Amid Ongoing Conflict with Iran The United States military has confirmed that one of its aircraft crashed in western Iraq during joint operations with Israel against Iran. US Central Command, which oversees military activities in the Middle East and parts of Asia, released a brief statement on Thursday acknowledging the incident and detailing ongoing rescue efforts. The statement noted that the crash occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, with no immediate indication of fatalities or survivors. The command’s statement suggested the crash involved two aircraft, possibly due to a collision or close maneuvering. It clarified that the second plane “landed safely” and that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. This marks another setback for the US military, which has already faced multiple casualties since the conflict began on February 28. Prior to the latest crash, the US military reported seven service members had died in the campaign, with 140 others wounded. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted eight of the injured faced severe injuries. The crash adds to a series of incidents, including three fighter jets being mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses on March 1. Those aircraft personnel ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition. Public opinion has been divided on the military campaign. A Quinnipiac University survey found 53 percent of voters opposed the offensive, with 74 percent rejecting the idea of ground operations. Ipsos research echoed these sentiments, showing 43 percent of Americans disapproved of the strikes, compared to 29 percent who supported them. The war has also sparked debate among Trump’s supporters, with figures like Tucker Carlson criticizing the conflict as “absolutely disgusting and evil.#iran #iraq #us_central_command #operation_epic_fury #us_military
Oil prices edged higher in volatile trading as tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated, with U.S. forces reportedly sinking several Iranian ships near the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has disrupted global oil flows, prompting traders to anticipate emergency crude reserve releases from key countries to stabilize markets. Despite a sharp drop in oil prices earlier in the week, the market showed slight recovery, though concerns about further escalation and potential mine deployments in the strait continued to weigh on sentiment. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that American forces had targeted Iranian vessels, including 16 minelayers, following President Donald Trump’s warning that any mines in the strait would be removed “immediately.” However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the U.S. had not escorted a tanker through the strait, contradicting a false claim by Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The confusion highlighted the uncertainty surrounding military actions and their impact on oil markets. Iran has maintained a steady flow of oil to China through the strait since the conflict began, with TankerTrackers reporting at least 11.7 million barrels shipped to the country. Kpler estimates that around 12 million barrels have passed through the waterway since the war started, underscoring Iran’s efforts to sustain its energy exports despite the risks. Meanwhile, oil prices fluctuated, with U.S. crude and Brent crude recovering slightly after a steep decline earlier in the week, though traders remained cautious about potential disruptions. The geopolitical tensions also spilled into broader markets, affecting investor confidence. U.S. stocks ended the day mixed as traders balanced the pullback in oil prices against fears of further conflict.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_central_command #chinese #oracle
Iran War Escalates: Trump Threatens 'Very Hard' Strikes; Iran Refuses to Surrender The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its second week with no signs of de-escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to launch "very hard" strikes against Iran, asserting that the country has effectively "surrendered" to its neighbors following statements from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian, however, has rejected the notion of capitulation, insisting that Iran will not yield to external pressure. The operation, referred to by U.S. Central Command as "Epic Fury," has seen coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian military and infrastructure targets. A still image released by CENTCOM, accompanied by a press statement, depicted a rocket launch from a ship, highlighting the scale of the offensive. The strikes have targeted Iranian positions in the Gulf region and Israel, with Iran retaliating by launching drones and missiles at Israeli and regional targets. Pezeshkian’s remarks, which emphasize Iran’s resolve to resist foreign aggression, have been met with Trump’s insistence that Iran has already compromised its stance. The U.S. leader claimed that Iran’s refusal to target regional countries unless attacked first signifies a form of surrender, a claim that has been widely disputed. Iranian officials have maintained that their actions are a direct response to sustained attacks, framing the conflict as a defensive measure rather than an aggressive stance. As the war intensifies, both sides continue to exchange strikes, with no immediate indication of a pause in hostilities. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, with analysts warning of the broader implications for regional stability and international relations.#iran #donald_trump #masoud_pezeshkian #us_central_command #gulf_region
