Iran Says 18 Killed, 108 Wounded in Latest US Strikes

At least 18 people were killed and 108 others wounded following a fresh wave of military strikes by the United States against targets in Iran, according to Iranian Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi. The latest bombardment took place overnight, striking multiple locations, including civilian areas and service infrastructure. Iranian authorities stated that the casualties included civilians, with separate reports pointing to significant property damage in the affected regions.

Iran Condemns Airstrikes as Violation of Sovereignty

In an official statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the U.S. operations, describing them as direct acts of aggression against the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iranian officials called on international bodies, including the United Nations, to intervene and respond to Washington's military actions. Tehran reaffirmed its intent to decisively defend its borders and public infrastructure from external threats. Iran Strikes Gulf Neighbours After Fresh US Attacks.

Washington Cites Defense of Maritime Routes and Troops

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the completion of a targeted air campaign. American defense officials stated that the military action was carried out in response to recent security threats in the region. According to the U.S. military, the targeted operations focused on neutralized capabilities tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). American authorities cited recent attempts by Iranian forces to disrupt commercial shipping lanes in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and ongoing security risks to U.S. service members deployed in the region.

Escalating Regional Retaliation

The military strikes triggered swift retaliatory actions and heightened alerts across the region. In response to the bombardment, Iranian forces launched drone and missile attacks directed at U.S. military bases and assets across neighboring countries, including facilities in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq. Regional governments have raised concerns over the rapid escalation. Diplomatic figures across the Middle East warned that continued exchanges of fire could destabilize critical trade corridors and undermine ongoing international initiatives aimed at restoring regional security. US Strikes Iran for Second Time in 2 Days As Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate.

The strikes mark another high-stakes escalation between Washington and Tehran amid mounting volatility in critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. Through this strategic choke point passes a significant share of global oil supplies. While Washington maintains that its operations are strictly defensive and designed to safeguard free navigation and American military personnel, Tehran views the action as an unprovoked escalation against its sovereign territory. Local emergency crews and health workers continue to assist the injured as casualty counts remain under review.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2026 07:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).