The United States expanded its air campaign against Iran early on Friday, striking bridges as President Donald Trump stepped up pressure on Tehran to loosen its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded with a fresh wave of missile attacks on US-allied countries across the Middle East and warned that any further escalation would trigger stronger retaliation, reports AP/UNB.
Qatar urged residents to seek shelter after Iranian missiles targeted the country. Its air defence systems intercepted the barrage, although falling debris injured a child, according to the Qatari Interior Ministry.
Iran also launched attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait following overnight US strikes.
The breakdown of last month’s interim ceasefire has fuelled a renewed cycle of attacks between the two sides.
Iranian officials said US strikes had killed more than 35 people and injured over 300, with further casualties reported on Friday.
Iranian military spokesperson Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that Tehran could strike regional infrastructure if Washington targeted Iranian bridges or power plants, describing the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s “invincible red line”.
Iranian state media said overnight US strikes hit bridges in Bandar Khamir in Hormozgan province, killing at least seven people.
The US Central Command said dozens of targets were struck during the sixth consecutive night of operations.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has meanwhile fallen sharply as the US tightened its naval blockade and security risks across the region intensified.
