US Military Operations in Iran Expand as Ceasefire Collapses

The United States has expanded its bombing campaign in Iran, moving closer to all-out war after a temporary ceasefire fell apart in early July. A third American soldier has been killed since the end of the ceasefire, bringing the total number of US troop deaths in the conflict to 17. The latest death occurred in Iraq during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone, according to US Central Command. The collapse of the 60-day ceasefire has led to renewed fighting, and shipping traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled. The escalation comes as an interim deal to permanently end the conflict has failed. Both sides continue to exchange fire, raising fears of a wider war in the region.