The United States military conducted a new wave of strikes against Iran for the sixth consecutive night, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) announced, as intense fighting continues over control of the vital Strait of Hormuz. These latest attacks are intended to further degrade Iranian military capabilities, Centcom stated.

Iran's state media reported that U.S. missiles impacted areas near the island of Qeshm, adjacent to the strait, as well as near Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, the location of a nuclear power plant. In what appears to be an escalation, the reports also indicated that two bridges in Hormozgan province were struck. The BBC has independently verified an attack on one bridge situated west of Bandar Abbas.

Centcom's official list of targets did not include bridges, detailing instead dozens of Iranian military sites hit in the strikes that concluded in the early hours of Friday. The military reported that its operations involved jets, drones, and ships targeting coastal surveillance and air defense systems, military logistics infrastructure, and maritime assets. This action follows earlier threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously warned of striking Iranian bridges and power plants if the country did not re-engage in talks.

The renewed hostilities have further strained a preliminary deal aimed at ending the conflict. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Thursday that President Trump remains open to diplomatic discussions with Iran. She emphasized that the president holds Iran accountable for its actions but is simultaneously receptive to diplomacy.

Leavitt also indicated that Iran has expressed a desire to reach an agreement with the U.S., adding that while communication channels are open, the president will not permit attacks on ships in the strait without consequences. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route off Iran's coast, remains closed. Tehran had previously announced it blocked the waterway in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Earlier on Thursday, Tehran claimed responsibility for striking U.S. military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Concurrently, the U.S. reported executing a six-hour series of strikes across multiple locations within the strait. These exchanges occurred after President Trump issued a warning to Iran regarding its conduct and potential for further military action should negotiations not resume.

Centcom also reported that U.S. Marines boarded an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman as part of a renewed blockade of Iran's ports, which commenced on Tuesday night. The command stated it had diverted three commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade. Between April 13 and June 18, under a previous blockade, U.S. forces reportedly disabled nine ships and redirected over 140 vessels.

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, was quoted by state media as saying that Tehran has no obligation to adhere to any agreement. The situation underscores the precarious diplomatic and military standoff, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a flashpoint for escalating tensions.