The latest escalation in the war between the United States and Iran has renewed concerns over civilian casualties, following a series of US strikes across Iran.
Iran’s health minister said 18 people were killed and 108 others wounded in US strikes on Tuesday night. The Iranian Red Crescent said four people were killed and 67 wounded when a wedding ceremony near the Strait of Hormuz was hit.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on what it says are US targets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq. Kuwait’s military also reported further missile and drone attacks early on Thursday, saying its air defence systems intercepted them.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties and called for an immediate end to military action. He also urged all sides to comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
The renewed fighting comes after a period of relative calm and stalled peace talks. US President Donald Trump has threatened further military action, while concerns are also growing over the impact of the conflict on regional security and oil supplies.
