US hits Iran in response to troop deaths as Israel warns of spillover

The United States conducted new airstrikes targeting Iran early Monday, marking the ninth consecutive night of attacks, in response to the death of another American service member in Iraq. The U.S. military's Central Command stated it targeted "Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites and communications networks." Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported at least one fatality near Tabriz, a city believed to house underground missile bases. Following the U.S. strikes, Iran retaliated by launching attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, and a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz caught fire after being hit by a projectile. U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "We hit them very hard again tonight," in honor of the killed soldiers. The conflict has led to a significant increase in Brent crude oil prices and has stalled shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides targeting civilian infrastructure. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that while the U.S. is open to diplomacy, "it has to be real."