US Strikes Hit Iranian Military Sites for Seventh Night as Iran Attacks Gulf Bases
The US conducted a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets including surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage and maritime capabilities, while Iran retaliated with attacks on US-linked facilities and allies in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. [2] [5] Iran strikes on Gulf allies followed directly after the latest round of US operations, according to multiple reports from the region.
US Completes Seventh Night of Strikes on Iran
US Central Command reported that it completed its seventh consecutive day of strikes by targeting Iranian surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage facilities and maritime capabilities. [2] [4] The command said the operations avoided civilian targets. [3] Iranian media reported that strikes in Hormozgan province killed three people and wounded eight others while damaging two bridges and a road tunnel. [2] [5] State media also said US strikes hit at least five bridges in southern Iran on an earlier night, with seven people reported killed in attacks on bridges in the port of Bandar Khamir where a train station was also hit. [2] [5] An airport in Iranshahr was reported hit farther east. [2] [4] US Central Command described the targets as surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage and maritime capabilities without mentioning civilian sites. [3]
Iranian Retaliation Targets Gulf Allies and Jordan
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it struck a US military support center at Camp Arifjan and destroyed a radar facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. [2] [4] The Guards also claimed strikes on Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain where US combat aircraft were gathered, along with an intelligence data center. [2] [5] Iranian state media reported that the Guards targeted a base in Jordan at Al Azraq and for the first time in three months launched attacks on Saudi Arabia including the Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj. [5] The Revolutionary Guard warned that strikes would continue until calm returns to the southern region and the Strait of Hormuz. [3] The group stated that since no international institution prevents US military actions, it follows the Quranic command to respond in kind and warned US allies to expect more strikes. [2] [4]
Civilian Infrastructure and Casualties Mount
Civilian infrastructure came under attack on both sides. Iranian media reported missiles struck power facilities and desalination pumps in the southern city of Jask, leaving about 10,000 people in 20 villages without water. [2] [4] A power generation and water desalination plant in Kuwait was hit for the second time in two days. [2] [5] Kuwait suspended operations at Kuwait International Airport due to repeated missile and drone threats. [4] [5] UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and across the region. [2] [4] Iranian state television said three people were killed and eight wounded in Hormozgan province strikes while two bridges and a road tunnel were damaged. [3] [5]
Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Drive Up Oil Prices
Both sides targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States said it was enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports while Iran said it stopped four ships attempting to pass without permission and reported explosions on two tankers. [2] [3] The British military reported that a tanker traveling through the Strait of Hormuz came under attack. [1] The Strait of Hormuz accounts for almost one-fifth of the world’s total oil trade. [4] Oil prices climbed more than 4% on Friday to their highest level in more than a month. [2] [5] Iran said it targeted vessels that violated its navigation rules while the US maintained its blockade. [4]
Ceasefire Collapse and Mediation Efforts
The exchanges followed the collapse of a fragile ceasefire last week after a June interim peace protocol. [2] [4] Mediation efforts continued but showed no sign of de-escalation. [1] President Trump stated in a primetime address that the war is going well and has threatened broader strikes while declining to rule out a ground assault on Iran’s coast or islands. [1] [2] US officials said operations in southern Iran are designed in part to preserve additional military options. [5] Regional officials involved in mediation said attempts to save the deal to end the war are ongoing even though the interim peace agreement has been halted. [1]
Regional and Global Implications
Analysts warned that further escalation risks provoking Iran to attack critical infrastructure in Gulf states or prompting its allies in Yemen to disrupt global energy supplies. [2] [4] The conflict has tested the limits of escalation since the ceasefire collapsed, raising the prospect of a return to all-out war. [2] [5] Oil prices rose more than 4% adding political pressure on President Trump as Republicans seek to retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections. [2] [5] David Khalfa, a specialist in the Middle East, noted that the Strait of Hormuz is becoming a trap for both sides and highlighted the risk of a wider regional confrontation. [3]
What to watch next: US Central Command has signaled continued targeting of Iranian maritime capabilities while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned of a total offensive if strikes persist beyond two or three days.
