Washington, DC / Tehran, April 7 (ANI): The United States has sharply escalated its military campaign against Iran, launching fresh air operations under “Operation Epic Fury” while issuing a final ultimatum to Tehran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
US Navy fighter jets took off from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) on Tuesday, as confirmed by the United States Central Command. The strikes are part of ongoing operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
Kharg Island Struck; Oil Lifeline Under Threat
Iran’s critical oil export hub, Kharg Island, came under heavy attack in what marks a significant escalation in the month-long conflict. The island, which handles nearly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, is central to Tehran’s energy economy.
US officials confirmed that “dozens of military targets” on the island—including bunkers, storage facilities, and air defense systems—were hit in precision airstrikes. Notably, the strikes reportedly avoided direct hits on oil infrastructure while focusing on strategic military assets.
Infrastructure Hit Across Iran; Power Outages and Casualties Reported
Beyond Kharg Island, multiple strikes targeted Iran’s internal infrastructure. Power disruptions were reported in Karaj after transmission lines were hit, while a railway bridge in Kashan was struck, resulting in at least two fatalities, according to local authorities.
Earlier strikes, including one on a bridge in Karaj, reportedly caused civilian casualties, highlighting the widening humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Trump Issues Stark Ultimatum
US President Donald Trump has issued a firm deadline of Tuesday, 8:00 PM ET for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations.
In stark remarks, Trump warned that failure to comply would trigger a massive, coordinated bombing campaign targeting Iran’s power plants and bridges. “The entire country could be taken out in one night,” he said, adding that such action could come “as early as tomorrow night.”
In social media posts, Trump further threatened that Iran’s infrastructure would be left “burning, exploding, and never to be used again.”
Iran Responds with Defiance
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded defiantly, stating that millions of Iranians are prepared to defend the country. He declared his own willingness to sacrifice for the nation amid what Tehran describes as an “unprovoked war of aggression.”
Region on Edge
The conflict has entered a critical phase, with rising fears of broader regional instability. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes—has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets.
With the US deadline approaching and strikes intensifying, the situation remains highly volatile, raising the prospect of a larger and more destructive confrontation in the region.
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