The US-Iran conflict centered on the Strait of Hormuz further escalated tensions gripping the region on its sixth day. Iran reported that 38 of its citizens were killed in US strikes, while Tehran announced it struck US allies and military targets in the Gulf.
Iran Reports Deaths and Injuries
Iran's Health Ministry announced that 38 people have lost their lives and more than 400 have been injured in US strikes that have continued since June 22. These figures reveal the human toll the conflict has taken on Iranian soil.
Iran's Counterattacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced they targeted and destroyed two US radar facilities in Oman. One facility was said to be for naval surveillance, the other for air surveillance. Iran also reported it carried out a surprise attack on the US Special Operations Command Center in Syria's Al-Tanf region, in retaliation for soldiers killed in Iranshahr.
Gulf Countries Targeted
The clashes spread to the Gulf region. Jordan's army announced it shot down three Iranian missiles and that there were no casualties. Iran said it targeted US military infrastructure in Kuwait, while Kuwait reported it responded to missile and drone attacks. Bahrain and Qatar were also attacked on Friday morning; Qatar's Defense Ministry announced it intercepted a missile attack.
US Continues Strikes and Blockade
The US military announced that strikes on Iran continued for a sixth consecutive night. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes, which began at 9:00 PM (TSİ), were carried out to "further degrade Iran's military capabilities." The same command said that as part of Washington's blockade of Iranian ports, a ship was boarded in the Gulf of Oman and three ships attempting to breach the blockade were "diverted."
Attacks on Iranian Infrastructure
Iranian state television reported two explosions in the city of Bushehr, home to the country's only civilian nuclear power plant. It was also reported that the US struck an airport and train station in the port city of Bandar Abbas, as well as two bridges near the Strait of Hormuz, killing three people. Iranian news agencies announced that the US also carried out attacks around Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomacy and Regional Reactions
The White House said US President Donald Trump is open to diplomacy with Iran, and that Washington remains in contact with Tehran despite the clashes. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, "The President holds them accountable when they don't keep their word, but he is also always open to diplomacy." Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of China and Pakistan, following their meeting in Shanghai, called on the US and Iran to end the conflict and return to the negotiating table.
Ship Attack Off Iraq
An Iraqi security official said a drone struck a ship carrying "American-branded cars" off the port of Basra. Iraq's Oil Ministry announced that an unidentified object fell near a tanker.
