U.S. widens offensive against Iran, hitting infrastructure inland

The U.S. has widened its military campaign against Iran, shifting from attacks on coastal military targets to strikes farther inland that have damaged key infrastructure, including bridges, transportation routes and utility facilities.

The expanded operation comes after a short-lived ceasefire collapsed, reigniting fighting over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping lanes, the Associated Press reported.

Since hostilities started again, U.S. forces have moved beyond targeting naval capabilities and missile sites along Iran’s southern coast to striking military and infrastructure targets deeper inside the country. 

Early strikes had focused on Iran’s naval assets, radar systems and missile installations near the Persian Gulf.

More recent attacks have hit transportation links, communications infrastructure, power facilities and other locations that support military operations, while also affecting civilian services in some areas, according to the AP.