Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, Jul 17: The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a more dangerous phase after Washington expanded its military operations against Tehran, targeting infrastructure in southern Iran, while Iran retaliated with missile strikes against US-allied nations in the Gulf region.
Iranian state media reported that US airstrikes on Friday hit bridges in Bandar Khamir in Hormozgan province, near the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, killing at least seven people. The strikes are being viewed as a major escalation, with infrastructure targets now becoming part of the US military campaign.
The attacks came after repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump that Washington could target key Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities, if Tehran continued restricting movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian authorities also reported that separate US strikes targeted locations near Tehran and Semnan province, an area linked to Iran’s ballistic missile and space programmes.
Following the attacks, Iran launched fresh missile strikes towards US partner countries in the Gulf. Qatar issued emergency alerts asking residents to take shelter after missiles were detected heading towards its territory. Residents reported hearing explosions as air defence systems responded to the threat.
Iran had earlier carried out strikes targeting Bahrain and Kuwait following US attacks on Iranian territory. Tehran has warned that its military response would expand if Washington continues targeting Iranian assets.
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the main flashpoint in the confrontation. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a major portion of global oil and natural gas supplies passing through it.
President Trump has sought to increase pressure on Iran by tightening restrictions around Iranian ports and threatening further action against critical infrastructure. Washington’s move has raised concerns over possible disruption to global energy markets.
Iran has strongly opposed any foreign military presence in the Strait of Hormuz. Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Tehran would not allow outside powers to interfere in the strategic waterway.
"Under no circumstances and in no way will we allow America, as a foreign and extraregional country, to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz," he said, calling it Iran’s "invincible red line."
The ongoing conflict has already affected international shipping. Maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz has declined, with several commercial vessels avoiding the area due to security risks. Some ships have reportedly switched off tracking systems while passing through the region.
The US Navy has also stepped up operations in Gulf waters, enforcing restrictions on commercial movement. US Central Command said some vessels were redirected and inspections were carried out as part of maritime enforcement efforts.
The latest escalation has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with both sides expanding their military actions and the global energy supply chain facing growing uncertainty. The Strait of Hormuz continues to remain at the centre of the confrontation between the US and Iran.