US strikes on Iran kill 18, wound 142

This marks a significant escalation in direct US-Iran military confrontation, with civilian casualties reported by Iran's health ministry. The strikes on Larak Island and other sites signal a broadening of targets beyond previous patterns, which could heighten regional instability and affect energy infrastructure risk perceptions. The open question is whether this triggers further retaliatory cycles or diplomatic de-escalation, as the casualty figures and geographic scope suggest a sustained campaign rather than a one-off action.