US and Iran attack infrastructure, raising fears of escalation

The United States and Iran have escalated their conflict by targeting critical infrastructure, raising serious concerns about a broader regional confrontation. In a significant development on Friday, the U.S. struck bridges within Iran, prompting a swift retaliatory response from Tehran, which targeted a power and desalination plant in Kuwait.

This expansion of targets beyond military objectives to include civilian infrastructure marks a dangerous new phase in the ongoing hostilities. At sea, U.S. Marines intercepted a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, while armed individuals seized another vessel off the coast of Yemen, heightening worries about the security of vital oil shipping lanes in the Middle East.

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targeted

Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy reportedly "targeted" a Thai-flagged ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, though further details remain scarce. These actions occur as Washington and Tehran continue to test the limits of escalation following the collapse of their ceasefire agreement, increasing the possibility of a return to full-scale warfare.

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military logistics infrastructure

The immediate impact of this escalation was felt in global markets. Benchmark Brent crude oil prices surged by 3%, heading for their third consecutive weekly gain. Global share prices declined, and Wall Street opened sharply lower before stabilizing.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the escalating attacks, particularly those on civilian infrastructure. The U.S. military's Central Command confirmed hitting "military logistics infrastructure," marking the first mention of infrastructure targets in over a week. Iranian state media reported casualties from attacks on bridges in Bandar Khamir, with at least seven people killed and a train station also hit. An airport in Iranshahr was also reportedly struck. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed three villagers died crossing a bridge in Bandar Khamir, vowing retaliation.

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three villagers were killed ‌while crossing the ⁠Bandar Khamir Bridge, adding that Iran would not allow their blood “to be in vain.”