US Attacks on Iran Continue for Sixth Day Amid Missile Retaliations

The United States intensified its assault on Iran for the sixth day running, striking targets across the Persian Gulf including the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, the island of Qeshm near the Strait of Hormuz, and the inland city of Ahvaz. Attacks hit a railway station, several bridges, and an airport, with Iran's state news agency Irna reporting seven fatalities, according to Reuters.

Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Kuwait's military announced its air defense forces were engaged with hostile missiles and drones. Iranian state media claimed attacks in Bahrain targeted a U.S. base, including helicopters and aircraft. The IRGC also stated it attacked a U.S. special forces base in Syria in revenge for soldiers killed in Iranshahr, asserting full control over the Strait of Hormuz and threatening to halt oil and gas transit as long as U.S. attacks persist.

Centcom confirmed the completion of U.S. night attacks around 4 a.m. Swedish time. The U.S. has reinstated its naval blockade against Iranian ports, and U.S. Marines boarded a vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday. Middle East expert Anders Persson noted the heightened war rhetoric and warned of a potential new escalation with large-scale U.S. attacks, possibly including ground troops to seize islands in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the severe escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump commented positively on Iran following the reported release of a U.S. citizen detained since 2024. The woman, reportedly a dual citizen, was said to be en route to the U.S. Trump called the release a "sign of goodwill," according to Reuters. However, Iranian state-controlled media denied any American had been released, Reuters reported.