Putin: Russia sparing Ukraine leadership to preserve negotiators
09:44, 02/09/2026, WednesdayU: Update: 09:59, 02/09/2026, Wednesday
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Russian President Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Moscow is deliberately refraining from targeting Ukraine's political leadership in order to preserve potential negotiators for future peace talks, even as he warned of imminent retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
US Central Command announced on Wednesday that American forces have completed a wave of strikes against Iranian military targets, including air defense systems and maritime assets, following what Washington described as threats to commercial shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
US targets IRGC facilities
CENTCOM said on social media platform X that "U.S. forces struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets including air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, mine laying capabilities, and communications site." The command stated that the strikes follow "recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members." The military command added that "More than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently operating across the Middle East and remain vigilant, lethal, and prepared to continue executing operations directed by the Commander in Chief."
Civilian casualties reported
Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm Island and in the coastal cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar and Konarak shortly after CENTCOM confirmed the operation. State television said Jiroft Airport in Kerman Province was also targeted in the wave of attacks. Ahmad Nafisi, the deputy governor of Hormozgan Province, said initial assessments indicate at least four people were killed and 50 injured after the US allegedly targeted a wedding ceremony.