US strikes on Iran enter seventh night, tensions rise in the Persian Gulf

For the seventh consecutive night, US forces conducted operations against targets in Iran, striking military infrastructure, weapons stockpiles and naval capabilities. US Central Command, CENTCOM, said the actions concluded overnight and involved fighter jets, drones and warships.

According to CENTCOM, the targets included surveillance centres, military logistics facilities, underground weapons depots and naval bases.

A White House spokesperson stressed that US operations had targeted military objectives exclusively. Washington also rejected claims that it had struck civilian infrastructure in Iran.

However, authorities in Hormozgan province reported that seven people had been killed as a result of the strikes. Verified footage shows extensive damage to the Gariveh Bridge, while photographs published during the day show a collapsed section of road and areas covered in rubble.

Tehran said it had retaliated by striking targets linked to US allies in the region. Iran also claimed to have attacked US military installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and, for the first time, Syria, but the United States denied these claims.

Kuwait said its air defence systems had neutralised missiles and drones. Jordan, meanwhile, said it had intercepted 10 Iranian missiles that entered its airspace, causing no damage.

According to Kuwaiti authorities, drone attacks wounded several soldiers and caused damage to a power plant as well as water desalination facilities. CBS News reports that several US service members were also wounded over the past week in attacks against two bases in Jordan.

Iran also reported the explosion of two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and blamed the United States for the incident. CENTCOM disputed the accusations, calling them untrue.

Iranian state media reported explosions in Yazd, on Qeshm Island and in the port of Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz.

The tense situation has led to a significant decline in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is of vital importance, as around 20% of the world’s supply of oil and liquefied natural gas is transported through it.

Clashes between the United States and Iran have continued for a week following the failure of ceasefire negotiations, while tensions in the Persian Gulf remain high.