United States expands strikes on Iran, widening conflict around the Strait of Hormuz

The United States launched a new wave of air and missile strikes against Iran on Thursday, hitting sites north of Tehran, the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and the disputed Greater Tunb Island. U.S. officials said the attacks aimed to further degrade Iran's military capabilities and to enforce a naval blockade that prevents ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports.

Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at U.S.‑aligned forces in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq, warning that its retaliation could expand. Iranian officials reported more than 35 deaths and over 300 injuries from the U.S. strikes, including seven killed and nine injured in a hit on the Bandar‑e Khamir bridge. The Health Ministry cited at least 40 deaths nationwide from the attacks.

The interim cease‑fire agreed last month collapsed, and the fighting has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, cutting cargo movements by about a quarter and keeping Brent crude above $85 a barrel. The United States also disabled a Curacao‑flagged oil tanker that ignored multiple warnings.

The escalation underscores a rapid deterioration of diplomatic efforts and raises the risk of broader regional instability.