In Iraq, un soldato americano è stato ucciso mentre distruggeva un drone iraniano.

In northern Iraq, an American soldier was killed during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance left behind after an Iranian drone was shot down, according to reports from Al Jazeera and the US Central Command (Centcom). The incident occurred on July 18, with Centcom confirming the death but withholding the identity of the victim. This marks the third American fatality in recent days and the 17th military casualty since the start of the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28. The attack followed another incident in Jordan, where two American soldiers were killed in an Iranian strike targeting an American base, and one was reported missing. Centcom stated that unidentified remains were found at the site of the Jordanian attack, and efforts to identify them are ongoing. In response, the US launched new air strikes against Iranian targets, including coastal radar installations, air defenses, maritime capabilities, and storage facilities for missiles and drones. These attacks have intensified over the past several days, expanding beyond energy infrastructure to include bridges and other strategic locations. Iran has retaliated by launching missile and drone attacks against US bases in Kuwait, including the Al Adiri camp and the Ali Al Salem airbase, according to BBC. In Kuwait, authorities confirmed that a second day in a row saw civilian infrastructure targeted, with a fire breaking out at a desalination plant. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned these attacks as violations of international law, emphasizing the damage inflicted on non-military sites. Tensions have also escalated in Jordan and Bahrain. Jordanian forces intercepted three Iranian rockets, while a fourth fell on an uninhabited area. Bahrain reported successfully intercepting Iranian projectiles. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Tehran that if Iran launches attacks on Israel, Israel will respond with full force. This follows reports that Israeli and Jordanian forces intercepted an Iranian projectile fired toward the Jordanian city of Aqaba, near the Israeli border town of Eilat. Israeli military officials emphasized their readiness to act decisively against Iran, whether through defensive or offensive measures, should the US alter its policy toward Tehran. General Eyal Zamir, chief of staff of the Israeli Air Force, stated that Israel remains prepared to immediately resume combat operations against anyone who attacks the country. He noted that Israeli systems had detected the launch toward Aqaba and remained vigilant to protect civilian areas. The conflict, now entering its eighth day without a temporary ceasefire, continues to disrupt regional stability. The US claims its attacks aim to safeguard commercial shipping routes and reduce Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic. However, Iran argues that vessels using “dangerous routes” or collaborating with the US face increased risk of incidents. The use of Iranian drones, particularly the Shahed model, has become more frequent. Analysts estimate the cost of producing each drone at around $30,000, while anti-drone missiles can cost millions, enabling Iran to conduct numerous attacks at lower financial cost. The prolonged conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and caused severe disruptions in energy supply. Both sides accuse each other of attacking civilian infrastructure, while the international community increasingly calls for renewed diplomatic talks and adherence to humanitarian law. Despite the escalating violence, there remains no indication of a broader military escalation, though the potential for further confrontation looms.