US-Iran conflict escalates with strikes
The US and Iran have exchanged military strikes, marking a sharp escalation after a lull. The US targeted rocket launchers and IRGC-linked sites, while Iranian retaliation was intercepted. Iran claims a US strike hit a wedding, causing civilian casualties, which the US is investigating.
Fighting between the United States and Iran has sharply escalated after a month-long lull, with the two sides exchanging strikes. The US military struck rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, days after US President Donald Trump announced American forces had cleared all mines from the important trade route.
The US said the weekend strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from laying new mines. After Iranian missiles launched towards Jordan in retaliation were intercepted, the US struck targets it claims were linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to Iranian authorities, US strikes hit a wedding party in Kuhestak on Wednesday, killing at least four and injuring 68 more. The US military said it is investigating the incident and that it never targets civilians.
UN chief condemns escalation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalation and reported rise in civilian casualties, including at the wedding party. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated, “The Secretary-General condemns all attacks against civilians.”
Guterres recalled that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions. He strongly encouraged the US and Iran to return to diplomacy to avoid the “devastating consequences” further escalation would have on civilians across the Middle East.
Conflict timeline and claims
The latest exchange marks a major escalation in the conflict that began in February, when the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran. The recent strikes follow a period of relative calm.
The US justification for its latest actions centers on securing the Strait of Hormuz and countering Iranian military elements. Iran's attempted retaliation and the contested civilian casualty report illustrate the deepening bilateral hostility.
Investigation into civilian incident
The alleged strike on the wedding party in Kuhestak remains a point of contention. Iranian authorities provided specific casualty figures. In response, the US military has stated it is investigating but maintains a policy of not targeting civilians.
This incident shows the complex and dangerous nature of the ongoing conflict between the two states, with diplomatic channels currently strained. The UN's appeal for a return to dialogue highlights international concern over the potential for wider regional fallout.
