US strikes Iran, sirens heard in Kuwait, one American soldier killed in Iraq: What's happening in West Asia

The US military has launched a ninth night of strikes against Iran, US Central Command said, adding that Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks were targeted. CENTCOM said that it was done to further diminish Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This came after the United States military announced the death of another soldier, saying he was killed in northern Iraq “during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance” from a downed Iranian drone.

As the CENTCOM announced the strikes, explosions were heard in five Iranian cities, including the major northwestern hub of Tabriz and two key ports. According to Mehr News Agency, the Iranian air defence systems also shot down a drone over southern Iran as CENTCOM attack began. In retaliation, Iran attacked Bahrain and Kuwait as sirens were sounded in both countries and residents were urged to seek shelter. Kuwait said its air defences were intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. It also accused Iran of causing fires and severe damage to power, water and oil facilities, prompting condemnation from Gulf governments.

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Meanwhile, as the West Asia war ignited once again, oil prices rose about 3 percent Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 3% to about $90.78 a barrel, and US crude climbed almost 3% to $84.85 a barrel. Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the global oil supply flows, has been on the decline after tensions escalated last week. On Wednesday, the US reimposed its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

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Iran suspends deal with US

On Saturday, Iran announced it was suspending all of its ceasefire commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei slammed the US and said that the violations of the agreement "once again demonstrated to everyone the worthlessness of the American president's signature." He also said, “Now that the American enemy seeks to incite war and bear its most serious consequences, it should know that the dear Iranian nation and the axis of resistance have unforgettable lessons to offer it.” He added that Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran had suspended its commitments under the MoU as US military attacks continued, according to Iran's Fars news agency. "The US has violated and suspended all its commitments within the framework of the Islamabad MoU," Gharibabadi said.