Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Web Desk: The United States struck bridges in Iran, and Tehran responded by hitting a power and desalination plant in Kuwait on Friday, as both sides risked further escalation by expanding their targets to include critical infrastructure .
China, Pakistan Urge Ceasefire
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called for a ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue between the US and Iran during talks in Shanghai on Thursday . Wang urged all parties to fulfill their commitments under the ceasefire memorandum of understanding, adding that the MoU “did not come easily” and must be “cherished and safeguarded with utmost care.” Dar briefed Wang on Pakistan’s recent mediation efforts and thanked China for its support .
Infrastructure Strikes Escalate Conflict
US Central Command included “military logistics infrastructure” in its list of targets for the first time in over a week . Iranian state media reported at least five bridges were struck in the south, with seven people killed in attacks on bridges in Bandar Khamir . An airport in Iranshahr was also reported hit .
Iran announced attacks on Gulf countries hosting US airbases, including Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait . Kuwait confirmed its Doha East power and water desalination plant was struck, causing damage and disrupting electricity generation units . Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency also reported that the Revolutionary Guards navy had “targeted” a Thai-flagged ship trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz .
Full-Scale Offensive Warning
Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, warned: “If US strikes continue for several more days, we will move into a phase of full-scale offensive operations” . UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure across the region .
Oil Prices Surge
Brent crude oil prices climbed 3% and were on track for a third consecutive weekly gain amid escalating tensions . Global share prices fell while Wall Street opened sharply lower .
