The United States and Iran conducted reciprocal military strikes targeting infrastructure and military positions, escalating a conflict centered on control of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command reported that its seventh consecutive night of strikes hit surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities. Iranian officials reported that recent U.S. strikes resulted in dozens of casualties and hundreds of wounded, while U.S. military officials acknowledged injuries to 13 service members since Monday.
Regional defense systems across multiple countries intercepted incoming fire. Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, while Iraq stated it shot down attack drones over Irbil. Jordan’s military said it intercepted three incoming missiles, and Bahrain activated air sirens. Bahrain also reported that falling debris from intercepted Iranian missiles wounded a child. A tanker traveling through the Strait of Hormuz sustained minor damage in a separate incident, according to British military reports.
The strikes targeted specific infrastructure, including bridges in Iran’s Hormozgan province and a tower at Chabahar port. The U.S. military characterized the Chabahar tower as part of a maritime surveillance network operated by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, while Iranian authorities described it as overseeing commercial traffic. Iran acknowledged attacks on power infrastructure for the first time, with its Energy Ministry calling for reduced power consumption in southern provinces experiencing extreme heat.
Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic following the war’s start, significantly impacting global energy markets. Oil prices rose above $86 per barrel, and shipping crossings fell to a three-week low of eight vessels. About one-fifth of globally traded oil and natural gas historically passed through the strait during peacetime. President Trump stated in a public address that the conflict was progressing favorably and promised visible results in the near future.
The collapse of an interim ceasefire has left the path toward resolution unclear. The U.S. has reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, and Trump has threatened additional strikes on power stations and bridges to pressure Iran to relinquish control of the strait. Since the war began over four months ago, 14 U.S. service members have been killed and 427 wounded according to U.S. officials.
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