US Airstrikes Target Northern Iran, Raising Fears of Wider War
The United States carried out a new wave of airstrikes on Iran early Thursday, striking targets further north for the first time, according to reports from state media and local witnesses. Air defence systems were activated in parts of Tehran, and explosions were heard in northern and western areas of the country.
The US military said it hit multiple locations, including Bandar Abbas, home to Iran's largest port and key naval and Revolutionary Guard facilities on the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes mark an escalation in the conflict between the two nations, which has intensified over the past week.
In response, Iran's army announced it had targeted US military facilities in Jordan with drones, state media reported. The back-and-forth attacks have shattered the interim agreement that had previously halted the Iran war, and renewed threats to the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments — have raised fears of a return to all-out war in West Asia.
The US strikes on Thursday were the latest in a series of operations that began after Iran was accused of attempting to run a naval blockade. The US military said its actions were aimed at disabling a ship that was trying to break the blockade, though details of the vessel and its cargo remain unclear.
The escalation has drawn international concern, with multiple countries urging restraint. The United Nations called for an immediate de-escalation, warning that the region could not withstand another full-scale conflict. Analysts note that the breakdown of the interim deal, which was brokered last year, leaves no clear diplomatic path to reduce tensions.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The US has deployed additional naval assets to the region, while Iran has put its military on high alert. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict expands further.
