U.S. Widens Airstrikes to Northern Iran; Explosions Reported Near Bushehr Nuclear Plant

The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on its sixth consecutive night as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) expanded its air campaign into the Iranian interior. For the first time in this wave of hostilities, strikes targeted military and aerospace facilities near Tehran and in Semnan province. Most notably, Iranian state media reported two explosions in the vicinity of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, marking the first time the conflict has directly impacted the area surrounding Iran’s civilian nuclear infrastructure. On the southern coast, U.S. strikes destroyed critical infrastructure, including bridges in Bandar Khamir and a trade tower at Chabahar port. These strikes resulted in the deaths of seven civilians in Hormozgan province, raising the total civilian death toll to over 30 according to Iranian officials. In response to the continued bombardment and a standing U.S. naval blockade, Iran has reportedly mobilized Houthi proxies in Yemen, ordering them to prepare for a closure of the Red Sea oil route. This move threatens to double the regional maritime "chokepoints" currently under threat. Diplomatic efforts are intensifying as the conflict threatens global energy markets and regional stability. Following a bilateral meeting in Shanghai, the foreign ministers of China and Pakistan issued a joint plea for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table. However, President Trump has maintained a firm stance, threatening to target Iran's energy grid if the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is not lifted. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated with missile strikes against U.S. facilities and aligned nations, including reported attacks in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.