CAIRO — U.S. forces launched a fifth consecutive day of strikes against Iranian military targets on Wednesday, expanding attacks aimed at degrading Tehran's coastal defense, missile and drone capabilities as the confrontation between the two countries intensified around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Central Command said the latest operations targeted command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance sites and other military infrastructure that Washington said had been used to threaten commercial shipping. The military said the strikes formed part of an effort to reduce Iran's ability to disrupt navigation through the waterway, a critical route for global energy exports.
The latest operations followed the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, a move that has further heightened regional tensions. U.S. officials also said American forces disabled an unladen oil tanker and redirected two commercial vessels that they alleged were attempting to breach the blockade. Iranian authorities disputed the U.S. characterization of events and condemned the military campaign.
Iranian officials said the country remained engaged in what they described as an "existential war" with the United States and warned that the Strait of Hormuz constituted a "red line." Tehran said it would continue resisting military pressure while insisting it retained control over the strategic waterway.
Iranian state media reported that U.S. strikes extended to areas around Tehran as well as locations in southern and northern Iran. Iranian health authorities said the latest round of attacks had killed more than 35 people and wounded more than 300 since the renewed U.S. campaign began, although Reuters could not independently verify those figures.
In response, Iranian state media said the armed forces launched missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. Authorities in Kuwait and Bahrain reported intercepting incoming drones or activating emergency measures following the attacks.
The renewed hostilities have raised concerns over disruption to global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz previously carried roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments. Shipping companies have continued to reassess operations in the area amid heightened security risks and ongoing military activity.
President Donald Trump has said the military campaign is intended to pressure Iran into negotiations while warning of additional action if diplomacy fails. Iranian leaders have maintained that any future negotiations would depend on developments in the conflict, with no breakthrough announced as of Wednesday.
