Us launches sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iran
The United States carried out a sixth consecutive night of military strikes against Iran, targeting military infrastructure across the country as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate despite a recent Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing hostilities.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest operation targeted coastal surveillance and air defense sites, military logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities. According to the command, the strikes were ordered by President Donald Trump in response to what Washington says were Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Iran had violated the memorandum by targeting commercial vessels, prompting the latest US military action. Earlier this week, Washington also resumed a naval blockade on vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports.
Iranian media report casualties and damage
Iranian media reported strikes across southern and southeastern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Bandar Khamir, Qeshm Island, Bushehr, Ahvaz and areas near Iranshahr Airport.
State broadcaster IRIB said eight people were killed and at least 17 injured in attacks on Bandar Abbas and nearby Bandar Khamir. The semi-official Fars News Agency reported that five bridges, including key transport links used for military logistics, were hit.
Tehran accused the United States of committing war crimes by targeting civilian infrastructure, saying the attacks violated international law and the UN Charter.
Regional tensions continue to rise
Iran said it responded by targeting US military positions in Kuwait and the al-Tanf base in Syria, although those claims have not been independently verified.
Meanwhile, Qatar said its armed forces intercepted multiple aerial attacks, while Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait issued public safety alerts, urging residents to seek shelter as missile and drone activity heightened concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Speaking on Thursday, President Trump said the United States was "winning big in Iran," while CENTCOM said more than 50,000 US service members remain deployed across the Middle East and ready for further operations.
Source:AA
