US-Iran War Escalates as Fresh Strikes Raise Fears of Wider Conflict

(US Iran War. Photo Credit: The Guardian)

The United States and Iran have been trading threats after heavy fighting erupted in the Middle East, keeping the two countries locked in conflict six months into their war.

The US president said American forces carried out a major attack on Iranian targets overnight and are ready to strike again whenever they choose.

Iran's security chief responded by saying Iran has developed a new strategy in the war that started in late February when the US and Israel attacked Iran, killing its top leader.

The US is planning to increase economic pressure on Iran through new sanctions that would affect Iran's trading partners.

The American energy secretary said these measures would place the maximum possible pressure on Tehran.

The latest fighting started when the US attacked Iranian targets on Sunday.

Iran then responded by firing at American bases in several countries in the region, including Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

Projectiles also hit two oil tankers, with reports indicating two Filipino sailors were killed.

The situation escalated further when a US strike hit a wedding celebration in southern Iran, killing four people including a child and wounding more than 50 others.

Iran's government expressed outrage over the attack, with officials calling it a war crime.

The Iranian Red Crescent confirmed the casualties from the bombing.

The US military did not directly address the incident, though a spokesman said the military does not target civilians.

Some Iranians expressed distress over the return to fighting, with ordinary people hoping both sides would return to negotiations.

An Iranian father whose daughter's wedding was hit by the strike told state television it was a very sad incident.

The overall conflict began when US and Israeli forces attacked Iran in late February.

A ceasefire that followed broke down after attacks on commercial ships in a major oil shipping route.

Israel's defence minister also warned that his country would respond forcefully if Iran attacks during the Jewish high holiday season beginning in mid-September.