Strikes expand to civilian areas
The US military carried out airstrikes on Iranian targets for the ninth straight night, with satellite images and local reports showing damage to bridges, an airport, and other infrastructure in Iran's Hormozgan province. Iran accused Washington of deliberately hitting civilian sites after a bridge near Bandar Khamir was collapsed and an airport runway was cratered.
The US Central Command stated the strikes were aimed at "further degrading Iranian military capabilities," but acknowledged that the widening scope of targets has included dual-use infrastructure that Iran relies on for civilian transport and logistics.
American casualties rise
The Pentagon named two additional US service members killed in action, bringing the American death toll higher as the conflict enters its third week. Iran has also proven capable of inflicting damage despite sustained US bombardment, launching missile and drone attacks that have reached US positions and allied assets in the region.
Strait of Hormuz blockade
US forces have boarded cargo vessels as part of an expanding blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for about 20% of the world's oil supply. The blockade has driven oil prices sharply higher and disrupted global shipping routes, with ripple effects felt across international energy markets and supply chains.