The conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel escalated sharply on Sunday after the US military confirmed it had sunk an Iranian naval vessel in the Gulf of Oman, even as three American soldiers were killed and five others wounded in ongoing operations.
The U.S. Central Command, which is directing American military activity in the region, said it destroyed a Jamaran-class Iranian corvette docked at a pier in Chah Bahar. In a statement posted on X, the command urged Iranian forces to abandon their posts.
Quoting remarks made earlier by US President Donald Trump, the statement said: “Members of Iran’s armed forces, IRGC and police must lay down your weapons. Abandon ship.”
Central Command later confirmed that three US service members were killed during the operation, while five others sustained serious injuries, highlighting the growing human toll of the widening confrontation.
Fallout From Khamenei’s Death
The latest violence follows the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli strikes — a development Iranian officials have described as crossing a “very dangerous red line.”
In response, Tehran has formed a transitional leadership council to manage state affairs. Iranian authorities have vowed to avenge Khamenei’s death and intensify what they describe as resistance against foreign aggression.
Iran has already launched retaliatory attacks targeting US military installations, Israeli territory and other sites across the region. The exchanges have damaged infrastructure, disrupted oil shipments and rattled major population centres.
Israel Expands Strikes
On Sunday, Israel carried out fresh strikes “in the heart of Tehran,” according to military sources, as Iranian missile launches continued across multiple fronts.
In one of the most devastating incidents, an Iranian missile struck a bomb shelter beneath a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem. Israeli police said the shelter sustained a direct hit, collapsing on those who had sought refuge inside.
Emergency responders from Magen David Adom described a scene of widespread destruction, with residential buildings severely damaged, vehicles ablaze and debris scattered across the area. Rescue operations were ongoing amid concerns that the casualty toll could increase.
Regional and Economic Impact
The crisis is also rippling through the wider Gulf region. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities in Abu Dhabi announced that stranded tourists would have their hotel stays extended at government expense after partial airspace closures disrupted flights.
The UAE shut sections of its airspace following reported Iranian strikes, triggering widespread cancellations and leaving passengers unable to travel.
Meanwhile, global oil markets and shipping lanes remain under strain, as escalating tensions threaten key maritime corridors in the Gulf.