Washington: The United States launched a fresh round of airstrikes on Iran early Monday, marking the ninth consecutive night of military action, following the announcement that another American service member had been killed. Iran responded by launching an attack targeting Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, further escalating tensions in the region.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the latest strikes, saying they were carried out in response to the deaths of American soldiers.

“We hit them very hard again tonight,” Trump said, adding that the operation was conducted in honour of the fallen service members.

US targets military sites across Iran

According to the US Central Command, the strikes targeted Iranian military command centres, air defence systems, coastal surveillance facilities, missile and drone launch sites, maritime assets, and communications networks.

Iranian state media reported explosions in southern and north-western parts of the country, though officials did not immediately provide details on casualties or damage.

Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of conflict

The conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s traded crude oil passed before the war. Benchmark Brent crude rose above $90 per barrel, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies.

A vessel also caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it had targeted tankers in the strategic waterway.

Diplomatic efforts continue despite rising tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to negotiations but stressed that any diplomatic engagement must be genuine.

Iranian authorities said at least 50 people were killed and 517 injured in the latest US strikes. Since the conflict began on February 28, 17 US service members have lost their lives.

The situation remains highly volatile, with fears growing that continued military exchanges could push the region towards a wider conflict.