US Central Command said on Thursday evening that American forces had completed a sixth consecutive night of military strikes against Iran.
Tensions remained elevated around the Strait of Hormuz as the United States and Iran issued conflicting statements about whether ships could safely pass through the vital waterway.
Iran Claims Retaliatory Attacks on US Bases
Iran said it responded early on Friday by targeting US military bases in several Gulf countries.
Tehran also repeated its claim that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed.
Iranian media reported that the latest US strikes damaged civilian infrastructure, including five bridges and a railway station. Those claims were not independently verified in the initial reports.
CENTCOM Says Strikes Targeted Military Capabilities
US Central Command said the operation was intended to further weaken Iran’s military capabilities.
CENTCOM also said the strikes were designed to hold Iran responsible for attacks on commercial shipping.
The latest military action followed a series of incidents involving vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping Through Hormuz Largely Halts
Shipping activity through the strait was largely suspended earlier in the week, according to data from MarineTraffic.
Iran again moved to restrict the waterway, while the United States reinstated its naval blockade against the country.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes. Any prolonged disruption could affect global oil and fuel supplies.
Commercial Shipping Attacks Fuel Escalation
The latest hostilities followed Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the strait.
Iran claimed the ships had attempted to cross through routes that Tehran had not authorised.
The incidents increased concerns about maritime security and raised the risk of a wider disruption to regional trade.
Red Sea Shipping Also Faces New Threats
Iran also indicated earlier in the week that it could encourage its Houthi allies in Yemen to target shipping in another strategically important waterway in the Red Sea.
Such attacks could place additional pressure on global trade routes and force more vessels to avoid key passages.
A broader maritime conflict could increase shipping costs, delay deliveries and add further pressure to energy prices.
Trump Declares Previous Ceasefire Over
US President Donald Trump said earlier in July that the ceasefire with Iran was no longer in effect.
The status of a memorandum of understanding reached between the two countries in June remained uncertain.
Trump warned that the United States could strike Iran’s nuclear and energy facilities unless Tehran agreed to a new peace deal.
Reports Point to Possible Kharg Island Operation
Separate reports suggested that Trump was also considering the use of ground forces to seize Kharg Island.
The island is one of Iran’s most important oil export hubs and plays a major role in the country’s energy infrastructure.
Any military operation involving Kharg Island could significantly increase the risk of oil supply disruptions and trigger a broader regional escalation.
Markets Watch Hormuz and Oil Supply Risks
Investors are closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz because of its importance to global energy markets.
Continued fighting, tighter shipping restrictions or attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure could push crude prices higher and add to inflation concerns.
For now, the risk of further escalation remains high as both sides continue military operations and diplomatic uncertainty persists.
