A devastating escalation in the conflict between the United States and Iran has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread damage. Eight people were killed and 20 wounded after the US launched a sixth consecutive night of attacks on Iranian targets. The strikes hit at least six bridges, a railway station, and other sites across the country.
The Iranian military responded with a 13th wave of retaliatory strikes on American bases across the region. Targets were hit in Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Syria, with air raid sirens activated in Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the attacks, which included the destruction of an American air control radar in Oman.
Iranian projectiles were launched at Qatar, but all were intercepted by the country's defense systems. However, a child was injured by falling shrapnel during the interceptions over Doha. A tanker vessel was also hit with an unknown projectile while sailing off the coast of Oman.
The international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire, with China and Pakistan urging a resumption of peace talks between the US and Iran. The Chinese foreign minister emphasized the need for all parties to fulfill their obligations and abide by a ceasefire memorandum of understanding.
Meanwhile, US Marines boarded a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday to ensure compliance with a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The blockade has resulted in the redirection of three commercial vessels and the disabling of one oil tanker.
The conflict continues to escalate, with the Jordanian army reporting that it shot down three Iranian missiles targeting the country. An American special operations command center in Syria was also attacked, according to the Iranian military.
The US military has not provided specifics on the targets of the overnight attacks, but Iran's Fars news agency reported that the strikes caused significant damage and loss of life. The country's Ministry of Energy said that power lines in Bandar Abbas and surrounding villages were damaged.
