- The biggest exchange of fire between Tehran and Washington since July occurred, with U.S. forces striking Iran's southern coast and Iran firing at American bases across the region.
- U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins said: "We are aware of reports, which originated from Iranian state media. The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC."
- Iran also said two tankers had been struck by while being steered through the Strait of Hormuz by U.S. personnel; Washington said it is guiding ships through the strait, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright reporting more than 17 million barrels of oil exited on Monday.
- President Trump said: "I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing," while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was looking at targeting as part of a campaign to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated dramatically this week as the two nations engaged in their largest exchange of fire since July. The U.S. military targeted Iranian air defenses and maritime assets, while Iran retaliated by striking U.S. bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq.1234
The U.S. military confirmed it struck key Iranian military capabilities, including radar systems and communications sites, on Tuesday. In response, Iran claimed to have hit multiple U.S. assets, asserting its goal is to expel U.S. forces from the region.
Iran reported at least 12 deaths from the U.S. strikes, including four civilians at a wedding celebration in Sirik, which Iranian officials accused the U.S. of targeting. U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins refuted these claims, stating, “The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC,” referring to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.56
Despite the Iranian attacks, U.S. officials reported no casualties among their forces. Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted that over 17 million barrels of oil were successfully guided through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, asserting, “I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing.” Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Washington is considering further economic pressure on Tehran as part of its strategy.
“Iran claims two tankers were hit by mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington says it is guiding ships through; Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported over 17 million barrels of oil exited Monday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington is considering targeting to increase economic pressure on Tehran.”
