U.S. Expands Iran Strikes, Disables Ship Near Hormuz

The United States carried out another round of air and missile strikes across Iran on Thursday and disabled a tanker near Kharg Island that U.S. officials said was attempting to breach a naval blockade, as fighting intensified around the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes targeted military infrastructure near Tehran, missile facilities and coastal defense systems along the Persian Gulf. The latest operation marked the fifth consecutive day of U.S. attacks as Washington sought to weaken Iran's military capabilities and maintain pressure on maritime traffic through one of the world's most strategically important waterways. Iranian officials reported casualties and said multiple provinces were struck during the latest wave of attacks.

Iran responded by launching missiles and drones toward U.S.-associated military installations in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, according to Iranian state media and U.S. officials, while warning that further military action could follow if the attacks continue. The renewed fighting has sharply reduced commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil normally passes. Shipping data indicated vessel traffic has fallen significantly in recent days as operators delay sailings or reroute ships because of growing security concerns.