Amid the mounting death toll in the US-Iran conflict, US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a fresh warning to Tehran, declaring that every American soldier killed by Iran would be met with an overwhelming military response. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had instructed top US defence officials to ensure Iran "will pay for that killing many times over" whenever an American service member is killed.

"Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over! This directive has been passed on to Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Daniel Caine, and every Leader in the Military," Trump wrote.

US AND IRAN EXCHANGE FRESH STRIKES

Trump's warning came as both countries launched another round of attacks, further eroding hopes that the interim ceasefire reached just weeks ago could be revived.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets. According to the military, the operation was aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and punishing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces blamed for attacks on American troops.

Iranian media reported explosions in several cities, including Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini. State news agency IRNA said at least one person was killed and several others were injured near Tabriz.

Meanwhile, the IRGC claimed responsibility for missile attacks targeting US military facilities across the region. Iran said it struck American assets at Jordan's Aqaba airport, Kuwait's Al-Adiri camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base, along with positions in Syria.

Air raid sirens also sounded in Bahrain, while Kuwait's military said it intercepted hostile drones during the latest Iranian attack.

The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the defining features of the conflict.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed two oil tankers exploded after attempting to navigate what it described as an "unsafe" route through the strait. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a vessel had been struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman. While the ship was left adrift, all crew members were reported safe.

Washington has repeatedly said its military operations are intended to keep international shipping lanes open, while Tehran accuses the United States of attempting to seize control of one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

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Published On:

Jul 20, 2026 22:31 IST