U.S. strikes kill seven Iranian soldiers; Gaza death toll rises

U.S. forces struck Iran's Qeshm, Kish, and Abu Musa islands and port cities along the southern coast, including Bandar Abbas, killing seven Iranian soldiers in daytime raids. Iranian state media reported the deaths, and a Georgetown University Qatar professor said the government is highlighting the casualties to maintain public support amid economic strain.

The professor stated that Iran faces high inflation, unemployment, and $270 billion in economic damages. He added that Iran is shifting the conflict toward an economic contest by targeting shipping, and he said the United States may pursue a similar economic approach.

Gaza casualties Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 73,246 people and wounded at least 173,727 since October 7, 2023, Wafa news agency reported, citing medical sources. The agency said attacks have continued daily despite an October 2025 ceasefire agreement, killing 1,123 people and wounding 3,616 since then.

An Israeli air strike on an apartment in Deir el-Balah killed at least three people, leaving one child as the sole survivor, Al Jazeera reported from the scene.

Other developments A British man held in Iran on espionage charges received an additional two-year sentence for speaking to the media, his son said. The man and his wife were arrested in early 2025 during a motorcycle trip and sentenced to 10 years in February; both have been on hunger strike since May.

Iran's foreign minister arrived in Qatar to offer condolences after the death of the former emir and is expected to meet Qatari officials, according to Iranian state media and the minister's Telegram channel.