U.S. Targets Bridges in Bandar Abbas to Cripple Iranian Naval Power

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 17, 2026

The United States conducted multiple strikes on bridges near Bandar Abbas, Iran, aiming to disrupt the country’s naval operations in the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. This military campaign, now in its sixth day, highlights escalating regional tensions while both sides maintain cautious diplomatic communication amid ongoing confrontations.

The United States carried out multiple strikes on key bridges in southern Iran on Thursday, aiming to sever supply routes to the strategically important port city of Bandar Abbas. A senior U.S. official described the operation as an effort to disrupt Iran’s naval power in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments and regional security.

According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, several bridges in and around Bandar Abbas were targeted overnight, leading to the closure of highways connecting the port to neighboring provinces. Bandar Abbas hosts a naval base operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), playing a central role in Iran’s ability to control maritime activity in the Persian Gulf and exert influence over regional waters.

The strikes mark a continuation of heightened U.S. military actions against Iran over the past week. Earlier this week, U.S. forces employed sea drones to attack an Iranian submarine and related naval facilities in Bandar Abbas. The current offensive is part of a broader campaign to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure, according to U.S. Central Command, which confirmed that the strikes on Thursday extended the operation into its sixth consecutive day.

In response, Iran has intensified its own military activities, targeting U.S. infrastructure in the Gulf region as well as those of U.S.-aligned Gulf Arab states. Iranian officials have also continued attacks on commercial shipping vessels in nearby waters, signaling a persistent escalation in regional tensions. Iranian military representatives have warned that further U.S. attacks could prompt retaliatory strikes on critical infrastructure throughout the Middle East, according to IRIB reports.

Despite the hostilities, the U.S. administration maintains that Iran remains open to negotiations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that Tehran continues to communicate with Washington, expressing an interest in reaching a deal while acknowledging the significant impact of the U.S. military campaign.

The ongoing confrontations underscore the fragile security situation in the Persian Gulf, with both sides deploying military force while also signaling a possible willingness to engage diplomatically. The U.S. efforts to degrade Iran’s naval capabilities came amid concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and the stability of the key maritime chokepoint at the Strait of Hormuz.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.