The United States military conducted a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets on Thursday. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) stated that the operations were intended to degrade Iranian military capabilities. The strikes occurred amid ongoing conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global energy supplies that has remained closed during the hostilities.
Iranian state media reported that U.S. missiles landed near the island of Qeshm, the city of Bandar Abbas, and Bushehr, which houses a nuclear power plant. Earlier that day, Tehran claimed to have struck U.S. military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The exchanges followed warnings from President Donald Trump that Iran must return to negotiations or face further military action.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration remains open to diplomacy but will hold Tehran accountable for firing on ships. Meanwhile, Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, told state media there was no reason to abide by agreements that do not benefit Iran, citing national security interests in the Strait of Hormuz.
Conflicting reports also emerged regarding the status of U.S. detainees. President Trump announced on social media that Dena Karari had been released and was returning to the U.S. as a gesture of goodwill. However, the Iranian judiciary subsequently issued a statement through state media denying that any prisoner exchange or release had occurred.