WANA (Jul 09) – The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. forces have launched additional strikes against Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the operation was intended to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation and hold Tehran accountable for what it described as recent attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crews.

 

Around 11:15 p.m. local time, multiple explosions were reported across southern Iran, including in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Konarak, Jask, and Abu Musa Island.

 

Local reports said three explosions were heard near the village of Taherouei in Sirik, while around 10 explosions were reported in Chabahar and Konarak. The exact locations of some of the blasts have not yet been determined.

 

Iranian coastal air defense systems in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm reportedly engaged hostile targets during the attacks.

 

According to Iranian reports, U.S. strikes targeted areas in the coastal city of Chabahar, causing damage to Shahid Beheshti Port, Kalantari Port, and the city’s maritime traffic control tower.

 

Iranian reports also said fragments from projectiles struck Imam Ali Hospital in Chabahar following the attacks.

 

The CEO of Sistan and Baluchestan Electricity Distribution Company said three power transmission lines in Chabahar were cut as a result of the strikes. Two lines have since been restored, while efforts are underway to reconnect the remaining line.

 

Reports also indicate missile-related movements by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in parts of the country. Some sources say missile launchers have been deployed in Isfahan, Tabriz, and Kermanshah.

 

The developments follow overnight U.S. strikes on several locations in Iran’s southern provinces, which Iranian authorities said were met with a response from the country’s armed forces.