Key Takeaways
- The US military completed its latest wave of strikes on Iran, marking the sixth consecutive night.
- Strikes targeted Iranian military sites including coastal surveillance and air defense facilities.
- Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against US bases in neighboring states.
The United States military announced it had completed its latest wave of strikes on Iran, marking the sixth consecutive night of American attacks. The statement from US Central Command detailed that fighter jets, aerial drones, and warships launched precision munitions targeting dozens of Iranian military sites.
Specifically, Thursday evening saw US projectiles strike Qeshm Island and near Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s largest port and key navy and Revolutionary Guards facilities, both on the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported additional strikes late on Thursday on three bridges and a train station in coastal Bandar Khamir, as well as a missile attack on Iranshahr Airport in southeastern Iran.
In response, Tehran launched missiles and drones targeted at US military bases in neighboring states, including a recently expanded air base in Jordan. According to reports, these attacks were in retaliation for the US strikes that had occurred earlier in the week, including an alleged attack on an Iranian children’s cancer hospital.
President Donald Trump had previously threatened to hit Iranian energy targets and warned of further attacks on bridges next week. International law experts have raised concerns over such actions, stating they may amount to war crimes under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on sites essential for civilians.
The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, followed by Iranian counterattacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases. The ongoing war has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced, significantly impacting oil prices and global markets.
Tensions between the two nations continue to escalate, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The situation remains volatile, posing a significant risk to regional stability and international trade.
