The Iranian army announced Wednesday that eight soldiers from its air and naval forces were killed in US strikes targeting the cities of Bandar Abbas and Bushehr in southern Iran during the early morning hours.

The Iranian army's public relations said in a statement: 'Eight members of the air and naval forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army were martyred in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr while defending the homeland, after being hit by enemy projectiles.'

The Iranian army affirmed 'steadfastness until the last breath against the enemies,' declaring that it 'will avenge the blood of the nation's martyrs from the enemies of this land.'

The US Central Command had announced carrying out attacks on Tuesday night into Wednesday on Iranian targets, including air defense systems, radars, and more than 60 speedboats belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced targeting 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, asserting that the attack was in retaliation for a violation of the ceasefire.

In the context of the escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump threatened to resume military operations against Iran within hours, stressing that he would not allow Tehran to possess nuclear weapons.

These developments follow a broad exchange of missile strikes between Washington and Tehran, after two oil tankers were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz, in a sharp escalation that casts a shadow over the stability of the Middle East.