US Strikes Iranian Bridges as Hormuz Crisis Escalates

The United States military struck six bridges and key infrastructure in Iran's Hormozgan province on Friday, escalating a conflict now in its sixth day over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported at least seven people killed and more than 20 wounded in the strikes, with the total death toll for the week reaching 38 killed and over 400 wounded.

Bridge Strikes and Infrastructure Targeting

The US military said the strikes targeted Iranian air defense sites and military logistics infrastructure aimed at pressuring Tehran to lift its chokehold on the strategically vital waterway. The overnight operation also destroyed a maritime surveillance tower at Iran's Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman — a facility used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to track commercial shipping through the strait. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a photo of the bombed tower collapsing on social media.

Legal scholars have warned that attacks on infrastructure with broad civilian use could, in certain circumstances, constitute war crimes under international law.

Iranian Retaliation Across the Region

Iran responded swiftly and broadly, launching waves of missiles and drones against Gulf states hosting US military bases. The IRGC said it targeted Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Jordan also reported intercepting Iranian missiles, while Tehran claimed to have struck a former US special forces post in al-Tafn, Syria — a site from which American troops had withdrawn in February — alleging casualties.

Explosions were also reported in Iraq's Kurdistan region, where at least eight fighters from a Kurdish Iranian opposition group were killed, according to the organization itself.

Air defense systems in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar reported actively intercepting hostile projectiles on Friday morning.

Blockade and Oil Markets

The US had reimposed a naval blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports earlier this week. Since then, three vessels attempting to breach it have been turned back, one tanker was struck and disabled, and another was boarded to ensure compliance. Iran has kept the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of global oil trade passes — closed since the start of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran on February 28.

Oil prices rose 10% this week as markets responded to the renewed escalation. President Trump had warned earlier in the week that Iranian bridges would be targeted if Tehran did not return to negotiations.

For the latest on the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz developments, follow our continuing coverage.