Escalating Conflict: US Conducts Airstrikes on Iran for Seventh Night
Gyanhigyan english July 18, 2026 09:39 AM

On Friday, the United States executed its seventh consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, as both nations engaged in a series of drone and missile assaults, heightening regional tensions. The US Central Command announced via a post on X that these operations aimed to "continue degrading Iranian military capabilities." Iran, in response, accused the US of targeting civilian infrastructure and cautioned that military operations could escalate if the strikes persist.


Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure Amid Rising Tensions

Iranian officials reported that US airstrikes impacted several infrastructure sites in Hormozgan province, including the Shahid Mirzaei Tunnel and the Rudkhaneh Shur Bridge along the Bandar Abbas-Sirjan route. Following the strikes, the tunnel was closed, resulting in road closures in various parts of the province. Reports indicate that at least three individuals lost their lives and eight were injured due to the airstrikes in Hormozgan province. Additionally, an airstrike occurred on the outskirts of Yazd city at 12:35 AM local time, although no casualties were reported from that incident.


A senior military advisor from Iran warned that the US might face a "full-scale offensive" in the upcoming days if the bombing campaign continues through the weekend. Tehran has also threatened key ports in Persian Gulf states following the destruction of a surveillance tower near the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency. Furthermore, Iran's state news agency indicated that two oil tankers caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz, although CNN could not independently verify this claim and has reached out to US Central Command for comments.


The recent airstrikes follow a series of US attacks across southern Iran on Thursday, where explosions were reported in cities such as Ahvaz, Qeshm, Bushehr, and Bandar Abbas, which was among the most severely affected areas. Iranian media reported that the strikes in Bandar Abbas caused damage to the Kahurestan Bridge, a residential area, a railway facility, and a communications tower, resulting in two fatalities and eight injuries, along with power outages. Damage was also reported to six bridges in Hormozgan province, Iranshahr Airport, a civilian airport building in Semnan, and a bottled water facility in Dehloran. Additionally, over 200 patients were evacuated from Baghaei Specialized Hospital in Ahvaz after the facility was rendered inoperable.


© Copyright @2026 LIDEA. All Rights Reserved.