TEHRAN: Iran’s Health Ministry says at least 38 people have been killed and more than 400 injured since hostilities with the United States intensified on June 22, as both countries exchanged fresh military strikes across the region.
Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said the casualties include three women and one child killed, while 22 women and nine minors were among those wounded.
According to Iranian state media, overnight US strikes targeted infrastructure in southern and western Iran, leaving eight people dead and 20 injured. Authorities reported damage to several transport facilities, including bridges in Hormozgan Province, an airport and a railway station.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for attacks on US military facilities across the Gulf, saying it struck radar installations in Oman, the Al-Tanf military base in Syria, and military positions in Kuwait. Tehran also said it launched drones and missiles at locations used by US forces, including bases hosting aircraft and helicopters.
Kuwait confirmed missile and drone attacks targeting parts of the country, including a power and water facility, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter. In Qatar, authorities said air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles, with one child reportedly injured by falling debris.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out another round of strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities, marking the sixth consecutive night of operations. Iranian officials said the attacks struck bridges, transport infrastructure and other strategic sites near the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported that a commercial tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman. The vessel sustained minor damage, and all crew members were reported safe.
Elsewhere, an Iranian Kurdish opposition group said eight of its members were killed in strikes in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, accusing Iran of carrying out the attack.
Iran has vowed to continue retaliatory operations, insisting it will defend the Strait of Hormuz and respond to further US military action. Washington, meanwhile, says it remains open to diplomacy but has warned Tehran against threatening international shipping and regional security.
The renewed conflict comes despite a preliminary agreement reached last month that had temporarily reduced tensions, with both sides now accusing each other of violating its terms.
