The US military launched its seventh consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran on Friday, targeting military and infrastructure sites amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes began at 7 PM GMT and aimed to
continue degrading Iranian military capabilities,
according to US Central Command.
Key Details
Earlier on Friday, US airstrikes hit bridges in Iran's Hormozgan province, reportedly killing at least seven people, as stated by Iranian state television. These bridges served as crucial transit points for Bandar Abbas, Iran's main port. Additional strikes targeted a tower in Chabahar port, which the US military alleged was used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to facilitate attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The US also struck key electrical infrastructure and Iranshahr airport.
In response to the strikes, Iran's energy ministry urged citizens to conserve electricity and air conditioning due to strain on the power grid, exacerbated by the attacks on energy facilities. The ministry noted that southern regions were experiencing extreme heat alongside the military strikes. According to Iran's health ministry spokesperson, Hossein Kermanpour, the renewed US strikes have resulted in at least 38 deaths and over 400 injuries in Iran as of Friday morning.
Background
The current military actions mark a significant escalation and have undermined the interim agreement between Iran and the US, which was intended to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for negotiations towards a permanent truce. Reports indicate that Iran has shut down the strait, while the US has reinstated its blockade.
The ongoing conflict could lead to disruptions in oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments. Investors will watch for potential impacts on oil prices and shipping rates as tensions continue to escalate.
Watch for updates on the situation as further military actions or diplomatic responses may emerge in the coming days.