The United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran on Thursday, targeting transport infrastructure as tensions intensified around the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran responded by launching attacks against US allies in the Gulf, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
US Central Command said American forces carried out another round of operations to further degrade Iran’s military capabilities. The strikes marked the sixth consecutive night of US military action against Iranian targets.
According to Iranian state media, the attacks hit two bridges, a railway station, and an airport in southern Iran near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Authorities said three people were killed after strikes targeted bridges in Hormozgan province. In addition, explosions were reported in Bushehr, home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant.
Iran responds with regional attacks
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile strike on a US airbase in Jordan. The group described the attack as retaliation for an American strike near a children’s cancer hospital close to Ahvaz. Furthermore, Iran warned it would continue defending its position in the Strait of Hormuz and rejected pressure to retreat.
Meanwhile, Kuwait activated its air defenses after reporting missile and drone threats, while Bahrain sounded air raid sirens as regional tensions increased.
### Diplomatic efforts continue despite tensions
Pakistan urged all parties to resume technical-level negotiations under the memorandum of understanding it helped broker last month. However, Iranian officials questioned the agreement’s validity, accusing Washington of violating its commitments.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump remains open to diplomacy. Nevertheless, she insisted the United States would respond if Iran continued attacking commercial shipping. Since renewed fighting resumed last week, Iranian officials say at least 30 people have been killed in US strikes.
