US launches strikes to 'punish' Iran after troops killed
The United States has launched a series of airstrikes against Iran following the deaths of American service members in Jordan. Iran has retaliated by targeting US military bases in Kuwait, further escalating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Why it matters
The direct military engagement between the US and Iran represents a significant escalation in regional hostilities, threatening global oil supplies and geopolitical stability.
Iran rapidly responded to the strikes, saying two US bases in Kuwait were targeted in response to more than a week of intensifying attacks.
A munition is launched from a US warship at an unknown location during what US Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on Jul 18, 2026. (Image: CENTCOM via Reuters)
TEHRAN: The United States carried out airstrikes on Sunday (Jul 19) to "punish" Iran after the first US military deaths since open hostilities rekindled the Middle East war.
Iran rapidly responded, saying two US bases in Kuwait were targeted in response to more than a week of intensifying attacks - which Tehran said included strikes on an airport, a railway station and bridges.
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