US strikes in Iran kill 14, injure dozens as tensions mount UPDATED

U.S. strikes on multiple locations across Iran on July 8 and 9 killed at least 14 people and wounded 78 others, Iran’s Health Ministry said, as both sides signalled a sharp escalation in hostilities.

Hossein Kermanpour, head of the ministry’s press office, said dozens of those injured remain hospitalised.

“Among the injured, 47 people remain in hospitals, while the others were discharged after receiving medical assistance,” he wrote on social media platform X.

The reported casualties followed a wave of U.S. attacks targeting Iranian military infrastructure. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said earlier that American forces had struck approximately 90 sites, including air defence systems, missile and drone storage facilities, and naval logistics assets.

In response, the Iranian military said it had launched drone strikes against U.S. assets in the region, including a Patriot air defence system in Kuwait, an early warning satellite antenna in Qatar, and fuel storage facilities in Bahrain.

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Three people were killed in a U.S. strike near the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz, regional authorities said, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

The casualties occurred in Iran’s Khuzestan province, according to Kiamars Hajizadeh, the deputy governor for security affairs, as cited by the Fars news agency. He added that those injured in the attack are receiving medical treatment, while officials are assessing the extent of the damage.

The reported strike follows a rapid deterioration in relations between the United States and Iran. On July 8, President Donald Trump announced the end of a truce between the two countries after Iran targeted several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. forces subsequently launched strikes on southern Iranian regions. In response, Iranian authorities said they were suspending negotiations and carried out attacks on U.S. bases.

Trump said Washington would respond forcefully to Iranian actions, stating that for every strike by Iran, the United States would deliver 20 in return.

By Tamilla Hasanova