US airstrikes on Iran kill at least 17 and wound over 100 amid rising tensions

The United States carried out airstrikes against Iran on July 8‑9, hitting roughly 90 military targets such as missile sites, air‑defence systems and naval infrastructure. Iran’s Health Ministry later reported that the attacks killed 17 people—including a woman—and injured 115 across six Iranian cities, an increase from earlier estimates of 14 dead and 78 wounded. The strikes were presented by the U.S. as retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation.

Sirens sounded in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan as missiles and drones were intercepted, and the conflict threatened the June 17 memorandum of understanding that had paused hostilities. President Donald Trump declared the cease‑fire over, while Iranian officials accused Washington of violating the agreement and called for UN action. Diplomatic talks resumed in Oman to discuss safe passage through the strait and to seek a de‑escalation path.

The escalation has raised concerns about a broader regional war that could disrupt global oil supplies, given that the strait carries about one‑fifth of worldwide oil and gas shipments.