Iran launches fresh attacks after sixth day of US strikes
The United States and Iran have escalated their conflict by targeting critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. The renewed hostilities have caused global oil prices to surge and triggered concerns about regional stability.
Why it matters
The expansion of military targets to infrastructure significantly increases the risk of a broader regional war and threatens global energy security.
DUBAI, July 17 (Reuters) - The United States struck bridges and an airport in Iran on Friday, provoking Tehran to respond by hitting a power and desalination plant in Kuwait, as the warring foes risked further escalation by expanding their targets to include infrastructure.
At sea, where the renewed conflict has again cut off energy supplies from the Gulf, U.S. Marines boarded a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Another vessel was seized by armed men off Yemen, raising concern over security in the Middle East's other big choke point for oil shipments at the mouth of the Red Sea.
Washington and Tehran have been testing the limits of escalation since their ceasefire agreement collapsed last week, raising the prospect of a return to all-out war.
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