Military operations intensify as both sides trade claims while fears grow over the Strait of Hormuz
The United States has launched a seventh consecutive night of military strikes against Iran, marking another escalation in the conflict after President Donald Trump declared that a temporary ceasefire agreement was no longer in effect.
According to the US military’s Central Command (Centcom), the latest operations are aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities. Officials said the strikes are being carried out under the direction of the US president as part of an ongoing campaign targeting military infrastructure.
“The strikes are designed to continue degrading Iranian military capabilities,” Centcom said in a statement.
Iranian media reported explosions in several locations, including the central city of Yazd, Qeshm Island and the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, which lies near the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest exchange of attacks comes as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The narrow waterway normally handles around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, but commercial traffic has slowed dramatically as the conflict continues.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed that two oil tankers exploded while travelling through what it described as a mined section of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Centcom rejected the claim, calling it false and saying there was no evidence to support the allegation.
The conflicting statements highlight the growing information battle accompanying the military confrontation, with both sides disputing reports surrounding the conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued to claim responsibility for attacks on several US military facilities across the Gulf region, including sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and, for the first time, Syria.
The United States has denied several of those claims, although reports indicate that some American personnel have been injured during recent attacks.
Kuwaiti officials also reported that Iranian drone strikes caused injuries to several soldiers and damaged infrastructure, including a power plant and water desalination facilities.
The conflict has also raised concerns over civilian infrastructure inside Iran.
Iranian authorities previously accused the US of targeting bridges, transport facilities and other civilian sites during earlier strikes. Provincial officials in Hormozgan province said at least seven people were killed.
The White House has rejected those accusations, insisting that American forces have targeted only military facilities and logistics infrastructure.
Independent verification by BBC journalists confirmed damage to Gariveh Bridge, where footage showed significant destruction following overnight explosions.
The continued exchange of attacks comes one week after negotiations aimed at restoring peace collapsed. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled as disagreements over security and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz continue to fuel tensions.
With no immediate breakthrough in sight, the ongoing military operations have heightened concerns about regional stability, global energy supplies and the possibility of a wider conflict involving additional countries in the Middle East.
International observers continue to monitor developments closely as calls for renewed diplomacy grow louder amid the escalating violence.
