Iran claims to have targeted U.S. forces in Syria and Bahrain as the U.S. concludes its sixth consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian military targets.
Key facts
- •U.S. Central Command reported hitting dozens of military targets, including air defenses and maritime capabilities.
- •Centcom stated that more than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently operating across the Middle East.
- •Brent crude futures rose 0.5% to $84.67 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 0.9% to $79.66.
- •Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa previously stated in March that Syria intends to remain outside the conflict unless directly attacked.
- •President Trump threatened to target Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, next week.
Iran announced on Friday that it had launched attacks against U.S. military forces in Syria and Bahrain, marking an expansion of regional hostilities. This escalation follows the U.S. military's completion of a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets, including air defenses and logistics infrastructure. The ongoing conflict has further undermined a fragile truce established last month intended to stabilize the Strait of Hormuz.
By the numbers
Casualty Reports and Infrastructure Damage
Iranian state media reported that the latest U.S. airstrikes resulted in eight deaths and 20 injuries. The reports further alleged that American forces struck civilian infrastructure, specifically citing damage to bridges, a train station, and an airport. CNBC noted that it could not independently verify these claims.
Regional Military Activity
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have attacked a U.S. command center in the al-Tanf region of Syria, though the U.S. military previously stated it withdrew from that base in February. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Defence Force reported intercepting multiple aerial attacks, following Iranian claims of targeting U.S. aircraft at the Sakhir airbase. Additionally, the defense ministries of Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar reported responding to or intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.
Market and Political Response
Oil prices rose on Friday, with both Brent crude and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures trending toward weekly gains of over 11%. U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a primetime address that the conflict is progressing in the U.S.'s favor and threatened to strike Iranian power plants and bridges if the country does not return to negotiations.
Timeline
- FebruaryThe U.S. military completed its withdrawal from the al-Tanf military base.
- MarchSyrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated Syria would remain outside the conflict unless directly attacked.
- Last monthThe U.S. and Iran signed a fragile truce intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- ThursdayPresident Trump addressed the public, claiming success in the conflict and threatening further strikes.
- FridayIran claimed it targeted U.S. forces in Syria and Bahrain as U.S. strikes continued for a sixth night.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by CNBC Europe.
