US hits more bridges in Iran in expansion of airstrike campaign

The United States intensified its airstrikes against Iran on July 16, 2026, targeting bridges in the southern Hormozgan province, marking a significant escalation in the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, part of President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to dismantle Iran’s infrastructure, came as Iranian missile attacks targeted U.S.-allied nations, including Qatar, where authorities issued shelter warnings amid a barrage of missiles. The U.S. military’s Central Command reported hitting dozens of targets, including bridges, in the sixth consecutive night of American air operations.

US Strikes Target Bridges in Iran

The U.S. airstrikes focused on bridges in Hormozgan province, a strategic area along the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has long sought to control. Iranian state television reported at least seven deaths from the attacks, which also targeted Bandar Khamir, a coastal city in the region. The U.S. military’s Central Command stated that the strikes concluded at dawn, following a night of sustained operations. This escalation followed weeks of tit-for-tat attacks between the U.S. and Iran, with the latter accusing American forces of violating its sovereignty.

“We are likewise winning big in Iran, and you will see the fruits of that labor very, very shortly,” Trump said in a primetime address, framing the strikes as a necessary measure to pressure Tehran to ease its grip on the strait. The U.S. has also reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports to halt crude oil shipments, further straining regional trade. According to maritime data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence, week-to-week cargo through the strait dropped by nearly a quarter in early July, with some shippers opting to disable location devices to avoid detection.

Iranian Response and Threats

Iran’s military responded with threats of widespread retaliation, warning that it could attack “all the infrastructure in the region” if the U.S. continued its strikes. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for the Iranian military’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated, “Under no circumstances and in no way will we allow America, as a foreign and extraregional country, to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz.” He emphasized that the strait was “Iran’s invincible red line.”

The Iranian government also accused the U.S. of causing civilian harm, with the Interior Ministry reporting that debris from intercepted missiles wounded a child in Qatar. The collapse of an interim ceasefire agreement, which had aimed to de-escalate tensions, has led to days of sustained attacks. Iranian officials claim U.S. strikes have killed over 35 people and injured more than 300, though these figures are difficult to independently verify.

Impact on Regional Tensions

The conflict has deepened divisions in the Middle East, with Qatar and Pakistan serving as key mediators in failed peace talks. The breakdown of negotiations came after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic in February 2026, a move that sent global oil prices soaring. The U.S. and Israel launched the war on Iran on that date, leading to a protracted struggle for control of the strait, which facilitates about 20% of global oil and natural gas trade.

This is Iran’s invincible red line, Zolfaghari reiterated, underscoring the country’s determination to maintain its strategic leverage. The U.S. has redirected three commercial vessels attempting to bypass its naval blockade, disabled one that refused compliance, and boarded another “to ensure full compliance,” according to the Central Command. These actions highlight the growing militarization of the region and the high stakes involved in securing vital trade routes.

Economic and Shipping Consequences

The ongoing conflict has disrupted energy markets, with a growing share of regional energy now being transported via pipelines rather than the strait. However, this shift has not yet offset the decline in maritime traffic. Lloyd’s List Intelligence noted that many oil shippers are avoiding the strait altogether, citing security risks, while others are waiting for the situation to stabilize.

The U.S. has also intensified its efforts to isolate Iran economically, targeting its oil exports and infrastructure. Trump’s renewed focus on striking Iranian power stations and bridges reflects a broader strategy to weaken Tehran’s ability to sustain the conflict. However, Iran’s military has warned that such actions could provoke a wider regional war, with potential fallout for global energy security.

As of July 17, 2026, the situation remains volatile, with both sides refusing to back down. The international community is closely monitoring developments, particularly the potential for further escalation and its impact on global markets. The next critical test will be whether diplomatic efforts can resume or if the conflict will continue to spiral into a broader confrontation.

APnews reported on the U.S. airstrikes and Iranian responses, while KSTP detailed the strategic implications. Joplinglobe and Kdhnews provided additional context on regional tensions and economic impacts.

Find more reporting in our World section.