As Tehran retaliated with airstrikes on US allies in the Gulf, the United States started new strikes on Iran on Thursday, with bridges and transportation facilities among the apparent targets.
A month after a preliminary agreement to stop the conflict—which began in late February with major US-Israeli bombings on Iran—was signed, fighting over the crucial Strait of Hormuz resumed.
On Thursday night, US Central Command (CENTCOM) declared that it was launching a fresh round of strikes to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities"—the sixth night in a row that US forces have attacked Iran.In the southern region of the Islamic republic, close to the strategic strait that is vital to international oil and gas flows, Iranian state television reported strikes on two bridges, an airport, and a railway station.
According to state TV on Telegram, three persons were killed in the assault on the bridges in the province of Hormozgan.
Two explosions in the western city of Bushehr, which is home to Iran's only civilian nuclear reactor, were earlier described as a "continuation of the American enemy aggression" by Tehran's state television.
Although the White House claimed he was "open to diplomacy," Tehran has previously threatened to attack infrastructure around the area if US President Donald Trump carried out his warning to attack Iranian power plants and bridges.Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated on Thursday that they launched ballistic missiles against a US airfield in Jordan in retaliation for what they claimed was an American attack close to a children's cancer hospital in the southwest of Ahvaz.Never give up.
The hospital was evacuated, according to Iranian state media, after US attacks on the region were denounced as "barbaric" by foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei.
Ahvaz instructor Hani, 34, described the strikes as "very intense" and said, "My hands are shaking." At least eleven or twelve explosions occurred. My ears are blowing up."
Meanwhile, US allies in the Gulf reacted to strikes. Bahrain sounded air raid sirens, while Kuwait announced early Friday that its air defenses were once again thwarting missile and drone attacks.According to state TV, a senior Iranian military spokesperson declared that "we will never back down over the Strait of Hormuz" and demanded that the US leave the area.
Following the US-Iran agreement in June, the Strait of Hormuz was momentarily reopened, but Tehran declared last week that it would remain blocked "until the US ends its aggression."Additionally, the United States has reinstated its port blockade against Iran.Three ships have been rerouted since the blockade commenced, according to the US military, which claimed on Thursday that troops had boarded a ship in the Gulf of Oman to "ensure full compliance".However, a deal "only has meaning when its clauses are valid and being implemented," according to Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Reporters were informed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday that while Trump would make Iran "accountable" for breaking its word, "he is always open to diplomacy at the very same time"They have stated that they are still interested in reaching an agreement with the president. We are in communication with them, but once more, the president will not permit them to fire on ships in the Strait without facing repercussions," she stated.
Trump previously warned Fox News that if Tehran did not return to the bargaining table, he would attack Iranian bridges and power plants, saying, "Next week it gets really bad for them."Iran's military command spokesperson warned on Thursday that "all infrastructure in the region" would be "crushed" if the US carried out its threats.
According to official spokesman Fatemeh Mohajerani, at least thirty people have died in Iran as a result of fresh US attacks since last week.