Iran Retaliates Against US Strikes Targeting Bridges, Railway Stations, and Power Grid

Tensions between the United States and Iran have reached a new boiling point after the US launched a massive wave of strikes for the sixth consecutive night. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting several Gulf states and US military bases in the region. According to a report by the AFP news agency, Iranian authorities stated that at least 38 people have been killed and more than 400 others wounded as a result of the US strikes since the two sides met in Switzerland on 22 June. The meeting was initially intended to negotiate a cessation of hostilities through a 60-day negotiation period. Eight of the total casualties were reported killed in the overnight strikes. US Central Command confirmed it completed the latest wave of strikes against Iran early Friday. Although the US military did not specify exact locations, local Iranian media reported significant damage to civilian infrastructure. The Fars news agency reported that at least six bridges in Hormozgan province were destroyed. The strikes also hit a railway station and power networks in Bandar Abbas, causing mass blackouts across southern Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have launched its 13th wave of retaliatory strikes against US bases. On the political front, US Vice President JD Vance revealed during a podcast with Joe Rogan that there were efforts by members of the Israeli government to influence American public opinion to reject a peace deal with Iran, suggesting these parties want the US to continue its military campaign in the region.