U.S. and Iran trade strikes as tensions escalate across Middle East

The United States has intensified its strikes on Iran, hitting targets farther north as American forces also fired on a ship accused of attempting to break a naval blockade of the Islamic Republic.

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. allies in the region before dawn and warned that its actions could escalate.

The continued exchange of strikes between the U.S. and Iran has raised concerns that the region could return to a broader conflict, threatening an already fragile agreement aimed at ending the war.

Iranian officials say U.S. strikes have killed more than 35 people and injured more than 300 others. The latest attacks also reached areas near Tehran, marking the first time in this round of fighting that strikes have expanded closer to Iran’s capital.

The conflict has also renewed concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies. Iran previously restricted shipping traffic through the strait, contributing to rising prices for oil, fertilizer, and other goods.

A spokesperson for Iran’s military warned the country could target regional infrastructure if the United States follows through on threats to strike Iranian bridges and power facilities.

The latest developments come as tensions continue to rise between Washington and Tehran, with both sides warning of further military action.