Iran says seven killed in latest US strikes, warns war ‘will spread’

What Happened

The United States conducted strikes on Iranian infrastructure for a sixth consecutive night, with local media reporting attacks on Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Iranshahr, and Bandar-e Khamir. Tasnim news agency reported a US missile strike on an airport in Iranshahr and an 'enemy' attack on a communications tower in Bandar Abbas that caused a power outage. Fars news agency reported a suspected US attack on a bridge in Bandar-e Khamir. The US military said the latest round began at 18:00 GMT on Thursday. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed an attack on a US airbase in Bahrain, as well as further attacks on Kuwait and Jordan. Kuwait’s army said the Iranian attack involved 32 drones and targeted vital facilities, causing material damage. Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned that Iran’s attacks would spread to new areas if US strikes continue. The exchanges follow US President Donald Trump’s threat to target Iranian power plants and bridges, and come amid mutual accusations of violating an interim US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed the previous month.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The escalation of direct US-Iran strikes threatens to unravel a nascent interim agreement and risks broadening into a regional conflict involving Gulf states. The targeting of infrastructure and IRGC claims of attacks on US bases in Bahrain mark a significant expansion of the theatre, while mutual threats and accusations undermine diplomatic channels. The situation tests the fragile balance of deterrence and could draw in regional players if vital facilities are hit or civilian casualties mount.

Watch For

Monitor further US nighttime strikes and Iranian retaliation, particularly any attacks on regional infrastructure inside Iraq, the Gulf, or beyond as warned by the Iranian army. Watch for diplomatic signals from the White House or Tehran regarding the MoU, and observe whether Gulf states, especially Kuwait and Bahrain, bolster air defenses or issue public warnings. Any formal suspension or collapse of the interim deal would be a critical inflection point.