U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged strikes for a sixth consecutive night, with attacks on military and civilian infrastructure in southern Iran and across the Middle East. A U.S. strike on a Bandar Abbas telecommunications tower killed a woman and severely wounded her one-year-old child, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.
Civilian and military targets hit
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed strikes on U.S. bases in Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, including a reported attack on a special forces base in al-Tanf that allegedly destroyed helicopters. The U.S. military has not confirmed these claims, which the IRGC often exaggerates.
Kuwait reported damage to power and water desalination stations, while Qatar said a child was wounded by shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian weapon. The U.S. Central Command confirmed a sixth night of strikes on Iranian military sites, including coastal surveillance and air defense locations.
Shipping halts as risk spikes
Maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed, with crews refusing to transit the region despite prior optimism. Dimitris Maniatis, CEO of Marisks, stated that fear now drives decision-making, overriding financial incentives.
Attacks on commercial vessels have intensified since the U.S.-Iran ceasefire ended, pushing oil prices higher. Brent crude rose 1% to $85 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark crude neared $80.
What to watch next
Further strikes and retaliatory actions are expected as tensions persist. Shipping disruptions and oil market volatility will likely continue unless diplomatic efforts resume.
