On Wednesday, the United States carried out its eleventh consecutive night attack on Iran, continuing the war between the US and Israel. These actions have resulted in the deaths of American servicemen, paralysis of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and rising oil prices.
Course of Military Operations
U.S. Central Command stated that the latest attack lasted about 75 minutes and was aimed at 'Iranian military operations centers, naval potential, aircraft hangars, drone warehouses, and military logistics infrastructure.'
The Iranian news agency Fars reported that strikes were made on a military facility near Tabriz, located in northwestern Iran, as well as in areas of the southwestern province of Khuzestan.
Iran's state broadcaster IRIB also reported attacks in the city of Ilam, near the border with Iraq, and in the Kabudarahan district of Hamadan province. In response, Iran launched drones towards U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, aiming to weaken Washington's military potential in the region.
Iranian Retaliation
Iranian armed forces stated that they struck a 'ammunition depot' and 'ground troop logistics equipment' at Camp Doha base in western Kuwait in response to renewed 'aggression' by the US. The semi-official news agency Tasnim informed that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are ready to decisively counter any new conspiracy or adventurism from the adversary.
Furthermore, the military struck the Muwafaq Salty airbase in Jordan and the Isa airbase in Bahrain. Their statement noted that 'the army struck residential and landscaping buildings' and 'warehouses' of the terrorist US army at Azrak base in Jordan using drones in the morning. Drones also hit 'large warehouses and sheds' and 'hangars for heavy aircraft maintenance and repair' at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain.'
Consequences and Diplomacy
The death of one serviceman increased the total number of American soldiers killed since the start of the war from eighteen to nineteen. The shipping analysis firm Kpler noted that only three cargo vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, compared to four on Monday, with no large tankers or LNG registered.
Disruptions also spread to the Red Sea, where two tankers carrying Saudi oil to Asia turned near the Bab el-Mandeb strait after Houthi Yemen threatened to blockade Saudi shipments.
Diplomatic Efforts
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is ready to negotiate during the meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila. This comes despite the fact that Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17, which announced an 'immediate and permanent cessation' of hostilities.
The agreement also required the US to end the maritime blockade and opened a 60-day window for negotiations. However, Washington subsequently attempted to reinterpret the agreement's provisions regarding control over the Strait of Hormuz and failed to stop Israel from continuing attacks on Lebanon, even though ending these attacks was the first condition of the agreement. Rubio stated in Manila: 'If they are serious, we are serious. If not, then we will do everything necessary to protect our interests, as well as the interests of our allies.'
Protesters at the event held signs reading: 'War criminals are not welcome' and 'Ban Trump! Ban Rubio!'. Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud discussed steps to ensure de-escalation via phone on Tuesday. Qatar called on all parties to implement the US-Iran memorandum, including guarantees for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the UAE condemned the planned Houthi blockade after fighting involving this group and the internationally recognized government of Yemen escalated to Saudi Arabia.
Rising Costs of War
Brent crude oil price rose by more than 2 percent on Wednesday, exceeding $94 per barrel, as increased US attacks and threats to regional shipping intensified concerns about energy supply. The Trump administration is also appealing to Congress for an additional $70 billion for military needs and is seeking a Pentagon budget of $1.5 trillion for 2027.
Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand accused the administration of demanding 'unlimited money for bombs' while ignoring healthcare, food, housing, and farmers. Senator Gary Peters told U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: 'This is not a question of money. It is a question of leadership.'
A tracker of costs for the Iran war estimated that the war has cost US taxpayers more than $100 billion as of June 16, when the last report was published. According to the Iran War Energy Cost Tracker from Brown University, American households have also paid over $72 billion in additional fuel expenses—about $544 per household. These costs are likely to rise if the war continues.