U.S. and Iran Escalate Warfare as Sixth Night of Airstrikes Hits Port Infrastructure

The U.S.-Iran conflict intensified over the last 24 hours as U.S. forces launched their sixth consecutive night of airstrikes. These operations targeted Iranian logistical infrastructure, including bridges, a railway station, and an airport near the port of Bandar Abbas. While the primary objective is to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping, Iranian officials reported that the bombardments have resulted in over 35 deaths, including seven civilians killed in Bandar Khamir. President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress of these military actions under the War Powers Act. In response, Iran launched a wave of retaliatory drone and missile attacks against U.S. facilities and allies in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Syria, as well as maritime surveillance sites in Oman. The conflict has shifted toward a heavy focus on maritime control; a U.S. naval blockade, described by CENTCOM as a 'steel wall,' has effectively halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. forces have already boarded one non-compliant vessel and redirected three others, causing a significant surge in global energy prices. Despite the escalation in physical conflict, diplomatic communication remains active. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that back-channel contacts suggest Iran 'wants to negotiate.' However, Tehran continues to blame Washington for the collapse of previous diplomatic efforts. International observers, led by calls from Pakistan, are urging a return to the negotiating table as the humanitarian and economic toll of the blockade and infrastructure strikes continues to rise.