Washington: The United States launched another series of military strikes on Iran late Wednesday, targeting locations along the country’s southern coastline, after Washington accused Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz a day earlier.
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in the southern provinces, including the strategic port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, with additional blasts also heard in Konarak, Chabahar, and Jask. Air defence systems were activated in several areas as the attacks unfolded.
Confirming the operation, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were aimed at reducing Iran’s military capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing further threats to international shipping.
According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted facilities linked to coastal defence systems and infrastructure allegedly used to support attacks on commercial maritime traffic.
Soon after the strikes, US President Donald Trump defended the military action, saying it was a response to Iran’s alleged attack on commercial ships.
“This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Regional tensions intensify
The latest military action further heightened tensions across the Gulf region. Several neighbouring countries reported security incidents following the US operation.
Authorities in Bahrain reported explosions in the capital, Manama, while Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones. Qatar also issued a security advisory as regional governments closely monitored the evolving situation.
Iran has not officially responded to the latest US strikes. However, senior Iranian officials had earlier warned that any new military action by Washington would receive an immediate response.
Reports of damage emerge
Iranian media reported several explosions around Bandar Abbas, while projectiles were also said to have struck Sirik, Jask and Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf.
Initial reports indicated power outages in parts of Chabahar and a fire at a facility linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Bushehr Province. Iranian news agencies later reported that electricity supply had been partially restored in affected areas.
The full extent of the damage has not yet been independently verified.
Trump says Tehran seeking negotiations
Despite the renewed military escalation, President Trump claimed Iran had reached out to Washington seeking fresh negotiations.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Tehran was eager to strike a deal but questioned whether Iranian leaders could be trusted to honour any future agreement.
The latest exchange of strikes comes as efforts to stabilise the fragile ceasefire between the two countries remain uncertain, with diplomatic negotiations yet to resume and military tensions continuing to dominate the region.
