The US-Iran conflict has entered one of its most dangerous phases as Washington expanded its military campaign into a sixth consecutive night of strikes, targeting military sites as well as key infrastructure across southern Iran.
US warplanes hit Iranian targets again Saturday evening, marking an eighth straight night of strikes as President Trump ordered retaliation for the deaths of two American troops in Jordan. The strikes came hours after Tehran declared it was walking away from the truce framework reached with Washington last month, with Iran’s supreme leader dismissing Trump’s signature on the deal as meaningless.
The Pentagon confirmed the latest round of strikes began at 6pm ET, launched in direct response to an attack that killed two US service members and left a third missing in Jordan the first American combat deaths from Iranian fire since March. The losses push total US military fatalities in the conflict to 16, with over 400 wounded since fighting resumed. Meanwhile, Tehran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei used a written statement to accuse Washington of repeatedly violating their prior agreements, effectively signaling Iran no longer considers itself bound by last month’s ceasefire terms.
American forces have continued their military campaign against Iran, carrying out a sixth straight night of air strikes targeting coastal surveillance systems, air defences, logistics hubs and maritime infrastructure. The operation marks one of the most sustained phases of US military action since the conflict began.
Officials in Bandar Abbas reported that strikes also damaged civilian infrastructure, including power facilities and a railway station. Reports from southern Iran said several bridges were hit, with at least seven people reportedly killed.
US President Donald Trump claimed Washington was “winning big in Iran”, saying the results of the military campaign would become increasingly evident. He also signalled that operations would continue as the administration maintains pressure on Tehran.
Iran Launches Fresh Gulf Retaliation
Iran’s armed forces said they targeted US aircraft at a military base in Bahrain while launching missile and drone attacks against Gulf states. The attacks represent Tehran’s latest response to continued American strikes.
Kuwait confirmed its military responded to incoming missile and drone attacks as regional air defence systems remained on high alert amid renewed Iranian retaliation.
Qatari authorities said their armed forces intercepted incoming Iranian projectiles. Officials added that a child was injured by falling missile debris, highlighting the risks posed to civilians even when attacks are intercepted.
US Tightens Naval Blockade
An Iranian military spokesman declared that the Strait of Hormuz would never return to its pre-war status, signalling Tehran’s determination to maintain pressure over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
US Central Command confirmed that American personnel boarded a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman while enforcing the expanded blockade on Iranian ports. Washington says the operation is intended to protect maritime security and prevent sanctions evasion.
Continued military activity around the Strait of Hormuz is raising fresh concerns for commercial shipping, insurers and energy companies as security risks across the Gulf remain elevated.
The International Energy Agency has warned that any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could threaten global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, increasing pressure on international energy markets and supply chains.
Despite continuing mediation efforts by regional partners, sustained military operations and expanding targets have further complicated attempts to revive negotiations and restore the interim peace framework.
With US strikes expanding beyond traditional military targets, Iran intensifying retaliation across the Gulf and maritime tensions escalating, the conflict has entered a pivotal stage that could shape the future security architecture of the Middle East and global energy markets.
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