US-Iran Conflict Escalates With Attacks on Military and Infrastructure Across Gulf States

For seven consecutive nights, the United States has launched attacks on Iranian targets, focusing on Revolutionary Guards military sites and critical infrastructure. Recent strikes have targeted bridges in Iran to disrupt supply routes to Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city on the Strait of Hormuz, as well as roads, railways, tunnels, and communication networks in the Hormozgan province. The US aims to limit Iran's logistical capabilities around the strait and its naval base, which is crucial for projecting power in the Persian Gulf.

In response, Iran has retaliated by attacking a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, causing fires and forcing emergency measures to stabilize the country's electricity grid. Kuwait's oil corporation reported significant damage and casualties at one of its facilities due to repeated Iranian strikes. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry condemned Iran's aggression against essential infrastructure. Iran has also targeted US bases and infrastructure in Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman.

Amid the escalation, Iran warned the UAE to evacuate airports and seaports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Jebel Ali if the US attacks Iranian infrastructure again, to protect civilians from Iranian retaliatory strikes. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused the US of violating commitments during negotiations and emphasized Iran's need to defend itself.

Iranian health officials reported at least 50 deaths and 500 injuries from US attacks since June 27. Meanwhile, Iranian-American researcher Amir Parsaad Ebrahimi questioned Iran's restrained response, comparing it to past conflicts where Iran only fully mobilized after direct attacks on Tehran. He noted that US strikes have concentrated on southern Iran along a 1,350-kilometer line, sparing Tehran itself.

The US has also imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, with Marines boarding and inspecting commercial vessels, turning back or disabling ships that do not comply. The ongoing air and naval operations aim to choke Iran's economy and military supply chains, though complete isolation of Bandar Abbas remains challenging due to alternative supply routes.