U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates with Strikes on Refineries and Tehran Bridge

On the 35th day of the U.S.-Iran conflict, hostilities intensified as Iran launched a wave of drone and missile strikes across the Middle East. Impacts were reported at a desalination plant and oil refinery in Kuwait, while intercepted debris ignited fires at gas facilities in the UAE. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed the attacks on Kuwait were orchestrated by Israel and threatened retaliatory strikes against bridges in the Gulf states. In response to ongoing tensions, a U.S. airstrike destroyed the B1 bridge west of Tehran, a key transit point linking the capital to Karaj. Iranian security forces reported eight fatalities from the strike. President Trump took to social media to tout the operation, reiterating his administration's stance that Iranian power plants and bridges remain primary targets. Meanwhile, the U.S. military saw significant leadership changes, with the removal of three generals, including former Army Chief of Staff General Randy A. George, as more troops deploy to the region. Diplomatic efforts remains stalled as the UN Security Council continues to debate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While 40 countries met virtually to discuss sanctions and military pressure, Russia, China, and France opposed language that would authorize the use of force. On the humanitarian front, Amnesty International has accused Iran of war crimes, alleging the regime is recruiting children as young as 12 to support its military efforts.