Six Straight Nights: US Widens Iran Air Campaign, Seven Killed in Latest Waves

The United States expanded its airstrike campaign against Iran on Friday, targeting additional infrastructure including bridges as tensions over the strategic Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate. The latest wave of attacks marked the sixth consecutive night of US military operations against Iran, with Iranian officials saying at least seven people were killed and several others injured in the strikes. The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces struck dozens of targets during the latest operation, which concluded at dawn on Friday. The strikes were part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route that has been severely affected by the conflict.

The latest attacks reportedly focused increasingly on infrastructure targets, including bridges, as Washington sought to intensify pressure on Iran. The move followed Trump’s warnings that the United States would expand its strikes beyond military facilities and target infrastructure linked to Iran’s ability to restrict maritime traffic through the strait. In response, Iran launched new missile attacks against US allies in the Middle East, including Qatar, which has played a key role as a diplomatic mediator during the conflict. The exchange of strikes has raised fears that the confrontation could spread further across the region and involve additional countries.

The escalation comes after a temporary ceasefire agreement reached last month collapsed, leading to renewed military action between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials said US strikes have killed more than 35 people and injured over 300 others since the latest phase of fighting began, with additional casualties reported following Friday’s attacks. The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of the conflict due to its importance to global energy supplies. When the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, Tehran effectively restricted shipping activity through the waterway, causing oil prices to rise sharply and increasing pressure on global energy markets.

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The disruption of shipping through the strait has given Iran significant leverage in negotiations, as the waterway handles a major share of global oil and gas transportation. Any prolonged closure or restrictions could have wider economic consequences, affecting fuel prices, inflation and international trade. Addressing the American public in a primetime speech, Trump said the US campaign was progressing successfully and claimed that the country was “winning” in Iran. The president said the results of the military operations would become clear soon, while continuing to defend the strategy of applying pressure on Tehran.

Iran, meanwhile, has continued to retaliate against US partners in the region, increasing concerns of a broader regional conflict. The attacks on Qatar and other allied nations have intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and revive negotiations. As the fighting continues, governments across the Middle East and beyond are closely monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz. With both sides maintaining aggressive positions and the previous ceasefire framework broken, the possibility of a prolonged conflict remains a major concern for regional security and global energy markets.

Also Read: Northern Iran Targeted In US Strikes As Ship Seized Over Blockade Attempt