Tehran: Fresh violence escalated in the ongoing Iran conflict on Sunday after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted a port facility near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, leaving at least five people dead, according to Iranian state media.
Reports said the attack hit a quay in the southern Iranian port town of Bandar Khamir, where four others were also injured. Iranian authorities condemned the strike, describing it as a “criminal act” carried out by allied forces.
The latest assault came amid a broader wave of military operations across Iran. Explosions were reported in multiple locations, including the capital, Tehran, shortly before the Israeli military announced it had completed another round of strikes. According to Israeli officials, the targets included weapons manufacturing facilities, storage sites, and air defence systems.
As the conflict enters its fifth week, concerns are mounting over a possible expansion of hostilities. Reports from US media suggest that the Pentagon is weighing options for extended ground operations, potentially involving special forces and conventional troops. However, it remains unclear whether Donald Trump will authorise such plans.
The United States has already increased its military presence in the region, deploying Marines and preparing additional troop movements, including units from the 82nd Airborne Division.
Meanwhile, tensions have widened beyond Iran’s borders. Israel Defense Forces confirmed it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, following the entry of Iran-backed Houthi rebels into the conflict. The development signals a growing regional dimension to the war.
In a separate escalation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning that it could target US-linked institutions in West Asia after alleging that recent strikes destroyed Iranian universities. The group has demanded a formal condemnation from Washington, setting a deadline for response.
With military actions intensifying on multiple fronts and diplomatic efforts showing little progress, fears are rising that the conflict could further destabilise the region and disrupt global energy supplies.
