New Wave of US Strikes Triggers Explosions Across Southern Iran

Istanbul - A number of explosions were reported across southern Iran early on Sunday after the United States launched a new wave of strikes, according to Iranian media. Iranian state television reported three explosions in Bandar Abbas, two in Sirik, two near Chabahar, and more than 10 in Jask, Hormozgan Province. Explosions were also reported in Asaluyeh and Bandar Dayyer. Meanwhile, an air strike reportedly hit a military barracks in the southern part of Bushehr Province. Another explosion occurred in the village of Shah Abdollah in the southern part of Khuzestan Province. However, there have been no reports of casualties from the incidents so far. The Mehr news agency, citing a Khuzestan Province official, reported that the cities of Hendijan, Mahshahr, and Abadan were also targeted. According to Mehr, the sound of explosions was also heard on Qeshm Island. The strikes came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had carried out a third wave of military operations against Iran this week. CENTCOM stated the operation was in response to an alleged attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a Cypriot-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. According to CENTCOM, the operation aims to degrade Iran’s ability to target commercial vessels transiting the waterway.