Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to deliver “unforgettable lessons” to the United States on Saturday, amid reports of U.S. military casualties for the first time since hostilities resumed. A month after the signing of a preliminary, now-voided deal aimed at ending the conflict, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against infrastructure in the Gulf region, targeting an airport, railway station, and bridges, which they stated were in response to US attacks over the past week.
Iran targeted an oil facility in Kuwait as well as a power and water plant, according to local authorities, while Bahrain’s military reported repelling a series of Iranian air assaults. Iran also conducted new strikes in Jordan, where the U.S. Central Command confirmed two service members died on Friday while defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks, with one service member still missing. Since the conflict started on February 28, this brings the confirmed American military death toll to 16.
Khamenei accused the U.S. of provoking war, criticizing the American president’s signature as worthless and warning of serious repercussions for the U.S., which he said aims to ignite conflict. His senior military advisor, Major General Mohsen Rezaei, threatened that Tehran will escalate to full-scale offensive operations if U.S. strikes persist, making clear that Iran will not be limited to proportional retaliation but will extend its response.
The latest violence was triggered by Iranian assaults on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for Gulf energy exports, which Iran seeks to control. Iran initially closed the strait when the war erupted, using control over this route as leverage during negotiations with Washington. The U.S. has recently reimposed sanctions on Iranian ports.
The health ministry reported at least 50 deaths and over 500 injuries since hostilities resumed. Kuwait accused Iran of attacking civilian sites and key infrastructure, raising fears of prolonged conflict. Local residents expressed concern over the supply of essentials, with increased demands for water and canned goods, and many streets and beaches remaining eerily quiet despite holidays.
Iran’s military claimed to have targeted a US air base in Bahrain, an allied Gulf nation, while in Jordan, Iranian officials reported attacks on U.S. fuel tanks at Al-Azraq base. The Jordanian military shot down several missiles on Saturday, following previous engagements.
Diplomatic efforts to reach a political resolution have stalled, despite attempts by mediators to re-engage both sides. U.S. President Donald Trump previously threatened strikes against Iranian infrastructure, but no action has been confirmed. Iran declared that both nations have halted their commitments under an understanding, citing breaches by the U.S., including strikes in Hormozgan and Khuzestan provinces, where casualties were reported.
Iran also accused the U.S. of striking water infrastructure, leading to shortages in several southern villages. The Iranian energy ministry urged citizens to conserve electricity by reducing usage during peak hours as the power grid strains under increased demands.