US missile strikes destroy bridges and communications tower in southern Iran

Washington announced Thursday that a series of precision airstrikes carried out by U.S. forces in southern Iran destroyed two strategically important bridges and a communications tower near the port city of Bandar Abbas. The Department of Defense said the targets were selected because they supported the movement of weapons and personnel linked to militant groups operating in the region, and that the operation was conducted in accordance with established rules of engagement. No U.S. casualties were reported, and the strikes were described as limited in scope and aimed at degrading the adversary’s logistical capabilities.

Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the attacks as “unlawful aggression,” demanding an immediate halt to what it called a violation of Iranian sovereignty. Iranian state media reported minor damage to nearby civilian infrastructure but said there were no fatalities. The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions following recent incidents involving drone activity and proxy confrontations, and they underscore the escalating strategic rivalry between Washington and Tehran. Both sides have called for diplomatic channels to address the dispute, while the incident is expected to influence ongoing security dialogues in the Gulf.