The United States increased its military actions against Iran on Thursday, launching strikes at targets further north. US forces also engaged with a ship they claimed attempted to breach a naval blockade on the Islamic Republic. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against US allies in the area, issuing warnings of possible escalation.
Recent reciprocal attacks between the US and Iran across the Middle East, alongside threats to the Strait of Hormuz, have jeopardized the interim agreement aimed at ending the Iran conflict. This situation raises the risk of a broader war in the region.
Iran reports over 35 deaths and more than 300 injuries from the US strikes. For the first time, attacks reached areas near Tehran, highlighting an expanding range of targets.
Since the onset of conflict on February 28, when the US and Israel began military operations against Iran, Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. This action has led to spikes in oil and goods prices, providing Iran with significant negotiation leverage.
“All regional infrastructure will be destroyed by the Islamic Republic’s powerful armed forces if America’s threats are executed,” stated Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for the Iranian military’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
On Thursday, US strikes targeted sites around Tehran, according to state media. Additional strikes hit Semnan province, a center for Iran’s missile and space projects. Iranian reports indicated American attacks also impacted several other provinces.
The US military reported firing upon the Curacao-flagged oil tanker Belma after it ignored warnings. A missile disabled the vessel en route to Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
Another US attack on Wednesday targeted an Iranian military brigade in Sistan and Baluchestan province, resulting in several casualties.
Iran retaliated Thursday morning with missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. These countries, hosting US forces, have yet to confirm the extent of damage or casualties. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Prime Minister condemned a drone attack on Irbil during his US visit, where he pledged to disarm non-state groups backed by Iran.
The ongoing conflict is centered around the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The US considers reopening the strait by force, which experts indicate would demand a substantial military presence.
Trump’s administration faces rising oil prices, which might impact November’s congressional elections. As mediation efforts continue to fail, Trump suggests Iran is willing to negotiate peace, though he provided limited specifics.
Trump also mentioned Iran’s release of Dena Karari, an American citizen detained since 2024, describing it as a gesture of goodwill. However, Iran hasn’t acknowledged her release publicly.