The United States broadened its airstrike campaign against Iran early Friday, targeting bridges for the first time as President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Tehran to loosen its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with fresh missile attacks on US-allied countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, and warned that its military response would escalate further.

The latest exchanges come after an interim ceasefire agreed last month collapsed, triggering sustained military action between Washington and Tehran over the strategic waterway. Iranian officials said US strikes have killed more than 35 people and injured over 300, while fresh casualties were reported in Friday’s attacks.

US Expands Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure

Iranian state television reported that overnight US airstrikes hit bridges in Bandar Khamir in Hormozgan province, located on Iran’s coast along the Strait of Hormuz. At least seven people were killed in the strikes, according to state media.

Iranian media also said US attacks on Thursday struck areas around Tehran and Semnan province, which houses the country’s ballistic missile production facilities and space programme.

Trump has repeatedly warned that the United States could target Iranian bridges and power stations as part of efforts to force Tehran to reduce its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has also reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports to disrupt crude oil exports.

Iran Responds With Missile Attacks

Iran launched a fresh barrage of missiles targeting Qatar on Friday, prompting authorities there to urge residents to take shelter. Explosions were heard as air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming missiles.

Earlier, Iran had also targeted Bahrain and Kuwait following overnight US airstrikes. The attacks came after Iranian military spokesperson Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that Tehran could strike “all the infrastructure in the region” if the United States followed through on Trump’s threats.

“Under no circumstances and in no way will we allow America, as a foreign and extraregional country, to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz,” Zolfaghari said. “This is Iran’s invincible red line.”

Shipping Through Hormuz Remains Under Pressure

The current confrontation remains centred on the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively closed the vital shipping route when the United States and Israel launched military operations against the country on February 28. The disruption has driven up oil prices while strengthening Tehran’s position in negotiations.

Qatar continues to play a mediating role, alongside Pakistan, in attempts to end the conflict, although diplomatic efforts have stalled over Iran’s control of the strait.

Maritime data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence said weekly cargo shipments through the Strait of Hormuz had fallen by nearly a quarter at the start of the month, even before the latest escalation. It added that some oil tankers were sailing through the area with location tracking devices switched off, while many others had suspended voyages. Although more energy exports are now being diverted through pipelines, the company said this remains insufficient to compensate for the decline in maritime traffic.

Naval Blockade Tightened

The US Central Command said on X that American forces redirected three commercial vessels attempting to breach the naval blockade. It said one vessel was disabled after failing to comply with instructions, while another was boarded “to ensure full compliance”.

The latest military exchanges underline the widening confrontation between the United States and Iran around the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides continuing to escalate attacks even as efforts to restore a ceasefire remain at an impasse.

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