Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Tuesday as the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on critical infrastructure in Iran, amid a growing standoff over access to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes came as US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, cautioning that “a whole civilisation will die” if Iran failed to meet a midnight deadline to reopen the key maritime route, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Iranian authorities confirmed that at least two bridges were hit, including one near the city of Qom and another rail bridge in central Iran, with initial reports indicating casualties.
Additional strikes were reported on transport infrastructure, including railway lines near Tehran and a major highway linking Tabriz to the capital.
The Israeli military said it had conducted a “broad wave” of operations targeting infrastructure sites across Iran, while Iranian media reported explosions in multiple locations, including Tehran and neighbouring Alborz province, where at least 18 people were said to have been killed.
The situation has heightened fears among civilians, with residents describing growing anxiety as airstrikes intensified.
A university student in Tehran recounted the fear gripping communities, noting that while some had initially dismissed the threats, the reality of the violence had made the danger impossible to ignore.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded with strong warnings, stating that any further escalation by Washington would prompt measures to disrupt oil and gas supplies to the United States and its allies.
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The crisis centres on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical waterway that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments.
Iran has effectively restricted access to the passage since late February, triggering spikes in global energy prices and raising concerns about broader economic fallout.
In neighbouring Gulf states, precautionary measures were already being taken. The King Fahd Bridge, which links Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, was temporarily closed amid fears of potential retaliatory strikes.
Reports also indicated attacks on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports, although some sources suggested the targets were primarily military in nature. Additional damage was reported to transport networks and facilities across the country.
Despite mounting international concern, diplomatic efforts appear stalled.
A proposed 45-day ceasefire, reportedly backed by mediators including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, has yet to gain traction, with both Washington and Tehran expressing reservations about the plan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution addressing the crisis, though earlier attempts at stronger action were hindered by the threat of vetoes from member states.
Analysts warn that the situation risks spiralling into a wider regional conflict, with significant implications not only for Middle Eastern stability but also for global energy markets and international security.
As the deadline passed and hostilities continued, uncertainty remained high, with the possibility of further escalation casting a long shadow over the region and beyond.