Iran reported a telecom employee killed in Bandar Lengeh. US struck 140 targets; Iran retaliated. Strait of Hormuz closure disputed. Mediators push for de-escalation.
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The United States and Iran traded heavy military strikes on Sunday, escalating a conflict that now threatens the Strait of Hormuz, a passage for roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that an employee of the Mobile Communications Company of Iran was killed in an attack in Bandar Lengeh, Hormozgan province. Two colleagues were injured.
IRNA also quoted the governor of Qeshm Island, near the Strait, saying 10 to 11 projectiles struck military targets on the island. The US military said it hit around 140 targets across Iran, including missile launch sites, drone facilities, ammunition depots, and communications infrastructure. CENTCOM said the operation aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. President Donald Trump told NBC's Meet the Press: "We bombed the hell out of them last night."
Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries hosting US forces. Qatar reported three people injured by falling shrapnel from intercepted missiles. Kuwait said it intercepted incoming projectiles. Jordan reported three Iranian missiles caused minor property damage. Oman also reported drone strikes near the Strait and summoned Iran's ambassador, calling the attacks "irresponsible."
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the confrontation. Iran insists the waterway is closed and says it intends to regulate all maritime traffic. The United States maintains that international shipping continues uninterrupted. CENTCOM said commercial traffic is still moving through the strait, though a multinational maritime monitoring body reported vessel transits at reduced levels.
The latest exchange followed an Iranian strike on a Cyprus-flagged container ship near the Strait. US officials said the vessel suffered significant engine room damage. Oman rescued 23 crew members; one remains missing. India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the missing sailor is an Indian national and said it is coordinating with Omani authorities.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed several commercial vessels ignored what it described as approved navigation routes. The force said one vessel was stopped after a warning shot and warned that additional military action could follow if further attacks are launched against Iran. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf posted on social media: "We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking."
The violence has placed growing pressure on an interim US-Iran agreement reached last month that established a 60-day negotiating period. President Trump recently declared the ceasefire effectively "over." Mediators including Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, and Egypt continue efforts to prevent a broader regional war. Pakistan confirmed its foreign minister spoke with Iran's top diplomat, urging de-escalation.
Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "Such revenge is the will of our nation and must certainly be carried out," he said.
One crew member from the container ship remains missing.
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