US strikes on bridges in southern Iran kill seven, state media reports
Seven people were killed in United States airstrikes on bridges in the port city of Bandar Khamir in southern Iran, according to Iranian state media IRNA, which cited the Hormuzgan University of Medical Sciences. The strikes occurred early on Friday, July 17, 2026, as part of an expanded US campaign targeting infrastructure in Iran.
The US military's Central Command stated that it hit dozens of targets in the latest round of airstrikes, which concluded at dawn on Friday. This marks the sixth consecutive night of American attacks. The strikes are part of intensified pressure on Iran to ease its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.
In response, Iran launched new missile attacks against US-allied nations in the West Asia region and warned that its attacks would escalate. Iranian state media reported that US strikes on Thursday, July 16, targeted areas around Tehran and Semnan province, which house Iran's ballistic missile production and space programme.
The escalation follows weeks of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with both sides exchanging threats and military action. The situation remains volatile, with international calls for restraint and de-escalation.
