DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Iran-US Gulf strikes escalated Friday as Tehran said it attacked US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait after Washington’s sixth consecutive night of raids on Iranian military targets, Reuters reported.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said fighter jets, drones and warships struck dozens of targets on Qeshm Island and near Bandar Abbas. It identified coastal surveillance, air-defence, military logistics and maritime facilities among the targets.
The latest US operation began at 6 p.m. GMT Thursday, equivalent to 9:30 p.m. in Iran and 11 p.m. PKT, according to CENTCOM. Iran announced its response early Friday but did not provide a precise launch time.
Iran’s military said it targeted US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait with missiles and drones. Witnesses reported explosion-like sounds in Doha, Qatar. Qatar’s Interior Ministry said shrapnel injured one child. Authorities did not immediately confirm damage to the targeted US facilities.
Iranian media reported strikes on five bridges, the Bandar Khamir railway station, and the Iranshahr Airport. Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency said seven people died in attacks on bridges in the southern port city of Bandar Khamir. Reuters said it could not independently verify the reports.
BREAKING: CENTCOM Announces Sixth Consecutive Night of U.S. Strikes Against Iran pic.twitter.com/dTtRr4IivN
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 17, 2026The renewed fighting again sharply reduced commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a major Gulf route for global oil and gas shipments. Iran resumed restrictions in the waterway, while Washington renewed its blockade of Iranian ports on Wednesday.
Read: Pakistan Urges Iran Talks as US Strikes Hit Bridges
US President Donald Trump has threatened strikes on Iranian power plants and bridges next week unless Tehran resumes negotiations. He has not ruled out deploying ground forces, including to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil-export terminal.
