The United States launched another wave of strikes against Iran on Thursday, deepening a confrontation that has intensified over the past week.

US Central Command said the operation began at 2 p.m. ET and was intended “to further degrade Iranian military capabilities.”

Iranian state television said areas in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas had been struck by what it called “American projectiles.”

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The southern stage grows rather crowded

Iranian media reports also pointed to a wider spread of targets in the south.

The latest American strikes hit Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, and Bushehr, with additional reports of a bridge in Bandar Khamir, near Bandar Abbas, and the Iranshahr airport farther north.

Reuters separately reported strikes near Qeshm Island and close to Bandar Abbas, which is the location of Iran’s largest port and key naval and Revolutionary Guards facilities.

The Gulf’s lifeline faces another stern test

The latest attacks came as tensions remained focused on the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway linking the Gulf to the Indian Ocean.

The renewed fighting followed a memorandum of understanding that had paused hostilities last month. But that the arrangement had largely unraveled amid fresh exchanges of fire.

Iran had responded with missiles and drones aimed at US military bases in neighboring states, while Washington kept up pressure on Iranian targets along the coast.

Diplomacy lingers as the drums persist

The widening conflict has also fed fears of further escalation beyond Iran’s borders. Iran has signaled it could encourage its Houthi allies in Yemen to target the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if US threats against Iranian infrastructure continue.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump was open to diplomacy even as Washington responded to attacks on shipping.

On the ground, residents inside Iran were anxious as the bombardment continued and diplomatic efforts remained stalled.

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FAQs

Q1: Why did the US launch fresh strikes on southern Iran?

The US military said the strikes were intended to further degrade Iranian military capabilities after days of escalating hostilities.

Q2: Which areas in Iran were reportedly targeted in the latest US strikes?

Iranian media reported strikes in and around Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, Bushehr, Bandar Khamir and Iranshahr airport.