The United States has launched large-scale airstrikes targeting military and transportation infrastructure across Iran in retaliation for attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

In retaliation for the attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, the United States launched a second wave of airstrikes targeting military and transportation infrastructure throughout Iran at approximately 5:00 AM (KST) on the 9th.

The first strike was carried out by surprise on the 8th, following an announcement by U.S. Central Command, with a focus on hitting the origin points of the attacks on merchant ships. This second strike was conducted approximately 24 hours after the first and involved a significantly larger scale of bombardment.

The Gulf News, an English-language daily in the Middle East, reported that because this second strike took place during the funeral proceedings of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, tensions between the two nations have reached an all-time high.

80 Targets Struck Across Iran... Infrastructure Attacks Extended Deep into the North

According to reports, U.S. Central Command stated that it had struck approximately 80 targets across Iran to neutralize Tehran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, a massive overnight fire broke out at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base located in Bushehr Province.

While open-source and video analysis suggest that missile storage facilities, drone infrastructure, and command centers were likely targeted, the Fars News Agency reported that the U.S. military even bombed the Ak-Teke-Khan Bridge in the northern Golestan Province and rail lines near Gorgan. This indicates a comprehensive strike extending even to supply and transportation infrastructure deep within northern Iran.

Furthermore, Iran's state-run media (IRNA) reported that Iranshahr Airport in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan was hit, damaging flight operations buildings and a meteorological observatory, and resulting in the death of one firefighter.

As this region had previously been excluded from U.S. military operations, there is growing concern that this may signal a full-scale expansion of the front lines.

"Stronger Every Time We Fire"... Trump and Vance Issue Stern Warnings

The U.S. administration emphasized that these airstrikes are a legitimate retaliation against Iran's attacks on commercial vessels, warning that any further provocation would result in consequences beyond imagination.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "This airstrike is a retaliation for Iran’s bombing of ships," adding, "If this happens again, the situation will be much worse."

U.S. Vice President JD Vance took a firm stance, saying, "The basic agreement we reached was, 'If you stop firing on ships, we will lift the blockade.' But if you fire on ships, we will strike back, and we will strike back much harder than before."

In response, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator and Speaker of Parliament, countered by stating, "The Strait of Hormuz will only be opened under 'Iran's approval and agreement.'"

As Tehran maintains its position of not yielding on passage rules and control of the waterway, a diplomatic resolution appears increasingly difficult.

Airstrike Alerts Across the Middle East and Energy Market Volatility

The sudden expansion of U.S. military operations has put neighboring Gulf states on high alert. Following Iran's threats of retaliation, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior sounded air raid sirens across the country early Thursday morning and issued evacuation orders to residents, while Kuwait announced that its air defense systems were intercepting "hostile missiles and drones" approaching its airspace.

Meanwhile, international oil prices reacted immediately as geopolitical instability rose, including a total blackout in the Iranian strategic port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman following the first wave of U.S. airstrikes.

Brent crude surged 5.2% to $78.02 per barrel.

Surprise Attack During Mourning Period... Chaos in Iran Amidst Funeral Processions

These airstrikes were carried out while Iran was in the midst of a national mourning period, holding a multi-day funeral for the recently deceased Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The late leader's casket was intended to be moved through Najaf, Iraq, to his hometown of Mashhad in the northeast for burial, but as the threat of total war with the United States loomed, the atmosphere of commemoration instantly shifted to one of fear of war and a resolve for battle.

As Iranian authorities have previously issued stern warnings against attacks during the mourning period, there is a prevailing view that a massive retaliatory operation by the IRGC in response to these U.S. strikes is imminent.

President Donald Trump and NATO leaders are scheduled to hold an emergency meeting in Ankara soon to discuss the security of the Strait of Hormuz and future response measures.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee