Dubai: The conflict between the United States and Iran has intensified as both sides exchanged fresh strikes across the Middle East, targeting military facilities, energy sites and key infrastructure, while tensions over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz continue to grow.
The latest escalation came as the United States expanded its military campaign against Iran by striking additional targets, including bridges, energy-related facilities and sites linked to maritime operations.
Iran responded with missile attacks on US-allied countries in the region, including Qatar and Kuwait.
The US Central Command said its forces carried out the seventh consecutive night of strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities, targeting surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities and maritime assets.
The US military said fighter aircraft, drones and naval forces were used during the latest operations.
US strikes Iranian infrastructure and key port facility
Iranian state media reported that US airstrikes hit several bridges in southern Iran’s Hormozgan province, including areas near Bandar Khamir, a coastal city located along the Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes appeared to target transport routes connecting Bandar Abbas, Iran’s major port, with other parts of the country.
Read More: Iran launches fresh attacks as US strikes enter sixth consecutive day
Iran’s Energy Ministry acknowledged for the first time that power infrastructure had been affected during the US air campaign, urging residents in southern provinces facing extreme heat to reduce electricity consumption.
Iranian officials said recent US strikes killed dozens of people and injured hundreds, including casualties from attacks on bridges. The US military also confirmed that several American service members had been wounded during the ongoing conflict.
Iran targets Gulf allies with missile attacks
In retaliation, Iran launched missile attacks toward several US-allied countries that host American military facilities.
Qatar, which has been involved in diplomatic efforts to mediate the conflict, was among the countries targeted. Qatar’s Interior Ministry said falling missile debris injured a child, while air defence systems intercepted incoming threats.
Iran also targeted Kuwait, where authorities said an attack damaged a power generation and water desalination facility, causing a fire and disrupting operations.
Kuwaiti officials said emergency teams contained the blaze and were working to restore the affected facility, which supplies a significant portion of the country’s drinking water.
Iran also claimed attacks on Bahrain, while Jordan’s military said it intercepted missiles launched from Iran.
Strait of Hormuz becomes centre of conflict
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major flashpoint in the escalating conflict due to its importance for global energy supplies.
Iran has demanded greater control over shipping routes through the waterway, while the United States has imposed maritime restrictions aimed at limiting Iranian oil exports and naval activity.
The growing tensions have disrupted shipping operations and pushed global oil prices higher, with crude prices rising above $86 per barrel, reaching their highest level in more than a month.
US confirms strike on Chabahar port
The US Central Command confirmed that its forces struck a tower at Iran’s Chabahar port, located on the Gulf of Oman.
Iranian state media reported that the tower was linked to commercial port operations, while US officials said it was part of a maritime surveillance network allegedly used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to monitor and target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Chabahar port, developed with support from India, is considered an important trade route for landlocked Afghanistan and regional commerce.
Regional fears grow as conflict continues
The latest exchange of attacks has increased fears of a wider regional conflict, with no clear end in sight following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump said the military campaign against Iran was progressing successfully but has faced pressure to prevent a prolonged war in the Middle East.
Before the conflict began, Washington and Tehran were engaged in talks over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran has warned that continued US attacks could further disrupt energy exports and regional stability, while Washington maintains that its operations are aimed at reducing Iran’s military capabilities.
The ongoing confrontation has raised concerns over civilian infrastructure, global energy markets and the possibility of a broader conflict across the Middle East.
