The United States carried out fresh airstrikes on Iran early on Friday, targeting bridges near Bandar Abbas and a tower at Chabahar port, while Iran launched missile attacks towards Qatar and other countries in the region, according to media reports. The latest exchange has further escalated tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, affecting shipping and reducing hopes for renewed peace talks.
Iranian state media said overnight strikes in Hormozgan province hit bridges near Bandar Khamir, killing at least seven people. The attacks also damaged infrastructure linked to routes connecting Bandar Abbas, Iran’s main port, with central parts of the country. Other transport routes remain open, but officials said the damage could affect the movement of goods and supplies.
The US Central Command said its forces struck dozens of targets during overnight operations, marking the sixth consecutive night of airstrikes. According to media reports, Iranian media also reported another strike on Chabahar port, where a surveillance tower collapsed. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth later shared an image of the damaged tower on social media.
Iran said the tower was used to monitor commercial shipping, although the Revolutionary Guard also has a presence at several Iranian ports. Chabahar port, developed with support from India, has previously been targeted during the conflict.
Iran responded by launching missiles towards Qatar, where authorities issued shelter warnings as air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles. Qatar’s Interior Ministry said debris from the interceptions injured one child. Iranian missiles were also reported to have targeted Bahrain and Kuwait, while Jordan said it intercepted three missiles. Explosions were also reported in Iraq’s Kurdish region, although there were no immediate reports of major damage.
The latest fighting follows the collapse of a temporary ceasefire agreed last month. The conflict has increasingly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and natural gas.
According to media reports, maritime data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence said cargo traffic through the strait has fallen significantly in recent weeks as security concerns continue to grow. The disruption has affected regional shipping and raised concerns over global energy supplies.
