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Fresh US airstrikes across Iran overnight have heightened tensions, with reports of damage to civilian infrastructure, retaliatory attacks, and rising risks to global energy routes.
According to Al Jazeera, multiple Iranian cities—including Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Konarak, Rask, Khondab, Khorramabad and Ahvaz—were rocked by explosions.
Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that Shaheed Baghaei Hospital was hit, severely damaging its pediatric cancer unit. The facility, which provided chemotherapy and specialized care for children, was evacuated following the strike.
Iranian officials said a military barracks was also targeted, leaving at least seven soldiers dead. Nationwide, authorities reported at least 35 people killed and more than 300 injured in the latest wave of attacks.
State media said air defense systems were activated in Tehran amid fears of further strikes. Reports also indicated a renewed US attack near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran’s only civilian nuclear facility.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes targeted Iranian capabilities posing threats to international shipping routes. It also claimed to have disabled an empty oil tanker, MT Belma, allegedly attempting to breach port restrictions, using a Hellfire missile.
In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched attacks targeting US-linked assets in the region, including the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Air raid sirens were reported in the country during the attack.
Jordan’s military said it intercepted three missiles fired from Iran. Meanwhile, the IRGC claimed it shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Andimeshk using a newly deployed air defense system.
Elsewhere, US-led coalition forces reportedly intercepted eight explosive-laden drones over Erbil in Iraq, with no casualties reported.
Amid the growing conflict, the US State Department has approved potential arms sales worth $1.96 billion to Saudi Arabia and a $484 million aircraft maintenance package for Kuwait.
The deals include precision-guided weapon systems, spare parts, training, and logistical support, pending Congressional review.
US President Donald Trump said Iran appears open to a peace deal but offered no further details.
Speaking at a defense conference in Pennsylvania, he warned that if Tehran refuses negotiations, US forces could target critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. “The next week will be very severe,” he said in an interview with Fox News.
At the heart of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments.
Iran has threatened to keep the passage closed until US actions cease. Maritime tracker Kpler reported that only 21 vessels transited the strait on Tuesday, highlighting the impact on energy flows.
With both sides escalating militarily and diplomatic efforts uncertain, the conflict is raising serious concerns over regional stability and global market volatility.
