United States President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is prepared to hit Iran “anytime we want,” following a major exchange of attacks that pushed the death toll from recent US strikes to 18, with at least 108 others wounded. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump noted that the military delivered a very heavy attack overnight, destroying newly constructed equipment along the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on US bases across the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan.
Casualties and Diplomatic Condemnation:
Iranian officials reported that the victims of the US strikes included two children, among them a four-year-old killed during a strike on a wedding party in the city of Kuhestak, located in Sirik county. Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the attack as a “war crime” and rejected Washington’s claims regarding civilian safety. Iranian media confirmed that the funeral for the four Kuhestak victims is scheduled for Thursday.
Economic and Strategic Fallout:
The six-month conflict has disrupted the global economy, driven up international Brent crude oil prices to about $95, and created domestic political challenges for Trump’s Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. Polls indicate low public approval for the war, alongside a drop in Trump’s approval ratings. Meanwhile, military analysts highlight that the US remains in an uncomfortable strategic position as Iran continues to target shipping routes, enforce blacklists through its Persian Gulf Strait Authority, and counter US control of the crucial waterway.
