The escalation between the United States and Iran took a new leap this Thursday. US forces expanded their bombing towards the north of the Persian country and attacked a ship accused of violating the naval blockade imposed against the Islamic Republic.
Tehran was quick to react. It launched missiles and drones against Washington’s allies in the region – Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait – and warned that it will toughen its actions if the offensives continue.
Key figures and targets
Iranian sources reported at least 35 dead and more than 300 injured after the attacks. For the first time in this phase of the conflict, the bombings reached areas near the capital and provinces where facilities linked to Iran’s ballistic missile and space development program are located.
The US Central Command stated that it seeks to further weaken Iranian military capabilities.
The Strait of Hormuz in the crosshairs
The tension also moved to that crucial sea lane for the global oil trade. Washington reported that it disabled an oil tanker heading to Iran’s main export terminal after ignoring warnings.
Iran, for its part, reiterated that it will not allow foreign intervention on that route, which it considers a “red line” for its national security.




