The United States and Iran intensified military exchanges on Friday across the Gulf region as their confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz deepened. US forces expanded strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges, energy facilities, and a tower at a key Iranian port, in an effort to loosen Tehran’s hold on the vital shipping lane. Iran responded with missile attacks on US-allied states Qatar and Kuwait, damaging a desalination plant and injuring at least one child from debris, and claimed hits on two US radar sites in Oman. Oil prices climbed above $86 per barrel amid reduced strait crossings.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.