US and Iran Trade Strikes as Russia Aids Tehran's Missile Program

In early September 2026, the United States and Iran exchanged military strikes, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The US military, through CENTCOM, carried out retaliatory strikes against Iran, while Iran responded with missiles and drones, including an attack on a US base in Bahrain. A reported US strike on a wedding celebration in southern Iran killed five people, including a child, according to Iranian media, complicating diplomatic efforts.