18 US Troops Killed as Trump Warns Iran Faces 20 Years of Recovery in Widening War
US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is not finished attacking Iran and that it would take Iran 20 to 25 years to recover from the damage inflicted in the Iran war, as the conflict widens with Iranian strikes on US bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, resulting in additional American casualties. [4]
Trump Signals Prolonged Campaign Against Iran
President Donald Trump said the United States is destroying Iranian capabilities at a pace no one thought possible and signaled an upcoming strike on the Natanz nuclear site. [1] He stated that if the US left now it would take Iran 20 to 25 years to rebuild and added that America is not finished at all. [4] Trump warned Iran would need more than 20 years to recover from the damage. [4] The statements came as US air strikes continued on Iranian military centers. [2]
Iranian Attacks Expand Across the Region
Iranian forces and allies struck US bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. [1] Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed a strike on a complex in the Rukban region of Jordan housing US forces. [4] The Iranian army said it targeted US assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, including air defence systems, radar installations, and administrative buildings. [4] Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles, with strikes hitting power and water desalination plants in Kuwait. [1] Bahrain said it intercepted attacks as sirens sounded repeatedly. [4]
Rising US Casualties and Pentagon Costs
The deaths bring to 18 the number of US service members killed since the war resumed on July 7. [4] Nearly 100 US troops have been wounded in the past two weeks, mostly from concussions, with 96 percent returning to duty. [5] The Pentagon database was updated to show 18 troops killed and 447 wounded since February. [5] Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the war has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far. [4] The Pentagon faces a $37.5 billion cost from the war so far, forcing cuts to exercises and maintenance. [1]
Houthi Threats and Red Sea Disruptions
Yemen's Houthi rebels threatened to blockade Saudi ports and target Saudi ships in the Red Sea. [1] Trump said he would take care of the Houthis if they followed through. [4] The threats prompted Trump to vow action against them and the Iranian nuclear complex at Pikax. [1] Maritime intelligence showed tankers reversing course in the Red Sea after loading at the Saudi port of Yanbu. [4] Analysts warned that destruction of desalination plants in the Persian Gulf could cause a humanitarian crisis. [1]
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Fallout
Iran is pursuing ceasefire talks via mediators in Pakistan. [1] Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni began talks with mediators in Pakistan to launch a new ceasefire initiative. [1] Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for restraint during a meeting with Momeni. [4] Trump met with Lebanon's president Joseph Aoun and pledged US help for Lebanon in its effort to disarm Hezbollah and move toward peace with Israel. [4] Air France suspended flights to Dubai and Riyadh due to the worsened security situation. [1]
US Control of Strait of Hormuz Shipping
The Pentagon confirmed secret control over Hormuz traffic allowing passage of tankers carrying 500 million barrels of oil amid ongoing attacks on commercial shipping. [1] Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the military is secretly controlling traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. [1] The Revolutionary Guards said two tankers attempting to transit the strait were hit by explosions resulting in massive fires. [4] The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an unknown projectile struck a tanker off the coast of Oman. [4]
What to watch next: Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said diplomatic exchanges with Washington through mediators are continuing while new US attacks target Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. [4]
