DUBAI: The United States expanded its airstrike campaign against Iran early Friday by hitting more bridges, energy sites and collapsing a tower at a key Iranian port, backing up U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to start striking infrastructure to pressure Tehran to ease its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States hit Iran on Friday, with Tehran accusing US forces of striking civilians sites and drawing Iranian threats of reprisals on regional infrastructure. A battle over the strategic Strait of Hormuz has rekindled the war in the Middle East and the foes have traded fire for six days running.

Strikes have hit closer to Tehran for the first time since the latest wave of attacks started.

Throughout the capital, the government is using Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral to project strength at a time of great uncertainty for Iran.

Sixth day of fighting threatens to turn into all-out war and casts serious doubt on peace deal struck last month

Inside Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, a sea of mourners dressed in black turned out for the start of the dayslong funeral, expected to draw millions from across Iran.

It’s been a historic week in Iran. For just the second time in the nearly 50-year history of the Islamic Republic, the country has buried a supreme leader. Ali Khamenei ruled Iran – as a spiritual leader and an iron-fisted autocrat – for nearly four decades.

Tensions have escalated as the U.S., following the collapse of a ceasefire with Iran, has expanded its airstrikes to areas near the Iranian capital, Tehran. The U.S. Voice of America (VOA), Qatar’s Al Jazeera,