US and Iran exchange strikes after two US soldiers killed in Jordan
The United States and Iran have engaged in a series of retaliatory military strikes following the death of two US soldiers in Jordan. The conflict has escalated to include attacks on military facilities, infrastructure, and shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
The rapid escalation between two major military powers threatens regional stability in the Middle East and global commercial shipping lanes.
This photo taken on April 20, 2026 shows a national flag of Iran hanging on a building damaged by the U.S.-Israeli attacks in Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati)
The US launched another round of air strikes against Iran on Saturday night, targeting its coastal surveillance and air defence facilities, US military officials said.
US Central Command (Centcom) said forces successfully hit Iranian military capabilities, while Iranian state media said Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz had been struck.
Centcom said it also targeted Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) responsible for the attack that killed two US troops in Jordan on Friday, where another service member remains missing.
In response to the latest strikes, Iran's army said it carried out drone attacks on two US bases in Kuwait, according to state media.
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