Iran War Day 35: US Carrier Returns as UN Weighs Force to Reopen Hormuz

A major bridge near Tehran was destroyed in an attack that killed eight people and injured 95 others

The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its 35th day with both military escalation and diplomatic maneuvering unfolding in parallel, as efforts intensified to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while strikes continued across the region.

A key development is the anticipated vote at the UN Security Council on a proposal put forward by Bahrain that would allow states to use what is described as “all defensive means necessary” to secure maritime passage through the strait. Although initially scheduled earlier, the vote has been delayed, with no new date confirmed. The draft resolution, backed by Washington, would enable countries to act individually or within multinational naval coalitions to protect shipping lanes and deter further disruption.

At the same time, diplomatic pressure is building from multiple directions. China has stepped up its engagement, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi holding a series of calls with senior officials from the European Union, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Beijing is positioning itself as a mediator, calling for an immediate ceasefire and coordinated international action to ensure safe navigation. Chinese officials have stressed that military escalation cannot resolve the crisis, warning against legitimizing the use of force. Parallel efforts are underway elsewhere, with the United Kingdom convening around 40 countries to push for the reopening of Hormuz, while France and South Korea have also pledged cooperation toward stabilizing the situation.

On the military front, the United States has returned one of its key assets to active deployment. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is once again at sea and declared fully mission-capable after undergoing repairs following a fire in its onboard facilities. The vessel had briefly withdrawn from operations and was serviced at a base in Crete before making a stop in Croatia. Its deployment, already extended, is now expected to stretch into an eleventh month. US naval leadership highlighted the crew’s rapid response in containing the fire and resuming operations shortly afterward.

Despite weeks of sustained bombardment, intelligence assessments suggest Iran retains significant military capabilities. Roughly half of its missile launchers remain operational, and thousands of one-way attack drones are still available. A substantial portion of its coastal defense missile systems is also intact, preserving its ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These findings present a more complex picture than earlier claims that Iran’s capabilities had been largely neutralized, with analysts warning that Tehran remains capable of inflicting widespread disruption across the region.

The humanitarian toll inside Iran continues to mount. According to figures released by the Iranian Red Crescent, nearly 140,000 residential and commercial buildings have been damaged since the war began. Hundreds of medical facilities, schools and aid centers have also been affected. Search-and-rescue teams, including sniffer dogs, have carried out hundreds of operations, recovering both survivors and bodies from the rubble. These figures, however, have not been independently verified. Broader estimates indicate at least 1,900 people have been killed and around 20,000 injured.

Recent strikes have also targeted critical infrastructure. A major bridge near Tehran was destroyed in an attack that killed eight people and injured 95 others. The strike came shortly after the US president warned of further attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including power plants. Additional strikes have hit military sites, including a missile base in Isfahan, while there are indications that sensitive nuclear material may have been relocated to that area.

Iran and its allies have continued retaliatory actions across the region. Missile and drone attacks have targeted Israel, Gulf states and energy infrastructure. In Kuwait, a drone strike hit the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, causing fires but no casualties. Air defense systems across the Gulf have been actively intercepting incoming threats, including in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has also claimed responsibility for attacks on strategic targets, including a data-related facility in Bahrain, though some reports have been denied by local authorities.

Satellite imagery has revealed the extent of damage inflicted on US military assets as well. Images show the remains of a destroyed airborne warning and control aircraft at a Saudi air base following an Iranian strike in late March, with additional aircraft left exposed nearby.

The economic impact of the conflict is becoming increasingly visible. Oil prices have surged sharply, with crude benchmarks rising above USD 100 per barrel amid fears of prolonged disruption in Gulf supply routes. Airlines in Asia have begun adjusting operations, increasing ticket prices and reducing flights in response to higher fuel costs. US officials have attempted to downplay the spike, describing it as temporary.

Meanwhile, political messaging remains contradictory. The US president has described the war as nearing completion and claimed that most strategic objectives have been achieved. At the same time, he has warned of further, potentially more destructive actions if Iran does not agree to terms. Iranian officials, for their part, have vowed to escalate with what they describe as broader and more crushing attacks, framing the conflict as one that will continue until their adversaries are forced into submission.

Amid the escalating rhetoric, some voices within the US policy community have expressed concern. A former intelligence chief described the war as a deliberate choice that may ultimately strengthen hardline elements within Iran rather than weaken the regime. He argued that while the leadership has been significantly damaged, the system itself remains resilient and capable of enduring sustained pressure.

With strikes continuing, diplomatic efforts intensifying, and global markets reacting, the conflict shows no clear path toward resolution. The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains central, as both military and political actors weigh the risks of escalation against the urgent need to restore stability to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.