Capitals, July 20 (SANA)The military confrontation between theUnited StatesandIranintensified last week, fueling concerns that the conflict could expand into a broader regional war as both sides exchanged strikes and reinforced military operations.

The Washington Post reported that the United States is “on the brink of a full-scale war with Iran” after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the death of an American soldier in Iraq and the recovery of additional remains at the site of an Iranian missile attack on a military base in Jordan. According to the newspaper, at least three U.S. service members have been killed in recent days, with the death toll potentially rising to four.

Citing a U.S. official familiar with the matter, the report said the Trump administration is preparing for a wider conflict while the Pentagon continues reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East. The official warned that a prolonged campaign could strain U.S. stocks of long-range precision munitions and air defense systems and complicate the deployment of additional troops.

The report added that recent U.S. strikes on bridges and railway infrastructure near the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas were viewed by Tehran as a major escalation, prompting it to broaden its military response.

Military analysts also warned against the risks of a ground campaign inside Iran. Seth Jones of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said deploying U.S. ground forces inside Iran or on islands in the Strait of Hormuz would carry significant risks because of Iran’s long-range strike capabilities.

Meanwhile, CENTCOM said it had completed its ninth consecutive night of air operations against Iran, targeting command centers, air defense facilities, coastal surveillance sites, missile and drone launch positions, and naval assets. It said the operations were aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten shipping through theStrait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump said the strikes were carried out in response to the deaths of U.S. troops, pledging to continue military operations and safeguard navigation through the strategic waterway. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would continue targeting Iranian capabilities while maintaining that diplomacy remained an option if Tehran agreed to a future deal.

Concerns over maritime security have also intensified after Iran reported incidents involving two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported a separate maritime incident near the coast of Oman.

Reuters, citing data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), reported a sharp decline in vessel traffic through the strait, fueling concerns over global energy supplies. Brent crude rose above $90 a barrel as investors monitored the conflict’s potential impact on energy markets and inflation.