US Seventh Night of Strikes on Iran
The United States completed a seventh consecutive night of air and naval strikes against Iran, expanding operations deeper into the country. US Central Command reported that fighter aircraft, drones and warships hit surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage and maritime capabilities. More than 50,000 US personnel remain deployed across the Middle East as Washington enforces a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Iranian Infrastructure Damage and Casualties
Explosions were reported in Jask, Sirik, Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Ahvaz and the central city of Yazd, marking an inland expansion from earlier operations focused on the southern coastline and the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said attacks on two bridges and a tunnel in Hormozgan province killed three people and injured eight. Heavy damage along the Bandar Abbas‑Rudan road prompted authorities to warn residents against unnecessary travel. A missile reportedly struck a maritime navigation tower on Larak Island. Satellite imagery also showed new damage inside the Bushehr nuclear power plant complex, though the operational impact was unclear.
Tehran’s Counter‑Attacks on US‑Linked Facilities
Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks against US‑linked facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Iranian forces claimed to have targeted ammunition depots and headquarters at Camp Udairi and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, as well as fuel tanks and aircraft at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. Kuwait reported intercepting hostile missiles and drones during two waves, while air‑raid sirens sounded repeatedly in Bahrain. The Revolutionary Guards said they destroyed a US drone depot in Bahrain, shot down an MQ‑9 drone over Bushehr, and struck a US vessel in the northern Indian Ocean. CENTCOM rejected Tehran’s claim that two oil tankers exploded after entering a mined section of the Strait of Hormuz.
Sharp Decline in Strait of Hormuz Traffic
MarineTraffic recorded only eight vessel crossings on Thursday, down from 15 the day before and the lowest level in three weeks. Seven ships used the Iranian‑controlled northern route, with no confirmed traffic through the Omani channel. Iranian forces also claimed they stopped four US‑escorted tankers. Washington said it had redirected four commercial vessels, disabled one and boarded another during the first three days of its blockade.
International Reactions and Statements
France and Germany urged Iran to de‑escalate, return to negotiations and help reopen the strait. IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei said the agreement with Washington was effectively dead, citing the renewed attacks and blockade.