US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to appear before lawmakers in Congress for the first time since the escalation of the US-Iran conflict, as the Pentagon confirms that nearly 100 US service members have suffered injuries since July 7.

The disclosure comes amid criticism over the Pentagon’s pace in releasing details of non-fatal attacks on American personnel. Officials said the injuries range from minor to more serious cases, with lawmakers expected to question Hegseth on troop safety, military operations and the broader strategy in the conflict.

Meanwhile, the US military said it carried out additional strikes against Iran late Monday, while Jordan’s military reported that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed three Iranian missiles. The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen has also announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi shipping, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies.

Tensions have further intensified in the region following attacks on commercial vessels. The UK’s maritime authority said a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile off Oman’s coast, forcing its crew to abandon the vessel, while two other ships were also hit. Shipping activity through the vital waterway has continued to decline since the collapse of a ceasefire agreement.