The United States military escalated its aerial campaign against Iran by launching a seventh consecutive night of airstrikes on Friday, targeting Iranian military capabilities amid intense fighting over the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command confirmed the operations began at 7 p. m.
>>> Trump Resumes Iran Strikes, Risking Prolonged War and GOP Midterm Losses
GMT, striking infrastructure in several Iranian cities including Sirik, Ahvaz, and Yazd. American forces also enforced a maritime blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
Iranian state media reported that recent US airstrikes killed at least 38 people and wounded more than 400 by Friday morning, according to health ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour.
Energy infrastructure damage caused severe power strains during extreme southern heat.
The attacks hit key transit bridges in Hormozgan province, a tower in Chabahar port, and an empty oil tanker at Kharg Island.
Iran retaliated by targeting locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar.
Kuwait temporarily suspended operations at its international airport and reported damage to a critical power and desalination plant.
Qatar reported a child was wounded by falling debris from intercepted missiles.
>>> Trump's $2.2 Billion Windfall Raises Concerns Over US Economy Stability
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed two oil tankers exploded after hitting mines in the strait, though American officials denied the statement.
Iran threatened regional countries hosting US military bases with severe consequences.
The escalating violence has severely reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which previously handled a fifth of global oil and gas supply.
Weekly cargo shipments dropped by nearly 25 percent.
Iran requested its Houthi allies in Yemen to prepare to close Red Sea oil routes if energy infrastructure attacks continue.
Pakistan's foreign ministry stated that diplomatic mediation efforts are becoming increasingly difficult.
US President Donald Trump indicated the military operations are meeting American objectives.
>>> Gilbert Fire Department Honors Teen for Saving Elderly Woman in Heatwave
"We are likewise winning big in Iran, and you will see the fruits of that labour very, very shortly," Trump said in an address to the American public.
