US Strikes Iranian Military Facilities, Explosions Reported Across Multiple Cities

The United States military has launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran, targeting military facilities. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the operation was aimed at capabilities used to threaten vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. “At 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, US forces launched a second wave of strikes today against Iran. The strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities used to threaten ships transiting freely through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway for global trade,” CENTCOM said in a statement. “The US military holds Iran accountable at the direction of the Commander-in-Chief.”

Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that explosions were heard in the city of Ahvaz, near the border with Iraq. Ahvaz has been repeatedly targeted since hostilities resumed this month. Explosions were also reported in Chabahar after US missiles struck a naval watchtower in the city. The watchtower was described as a civilian facility used for maritime security and search-and-rescue operations for fishermen. Further blasts were reported near Bandar Abbas, with Mehr adding that US projectiles hit a site close to the city.

Iran had earlier responded to the new wave of US strikes by insisting it has no plans to negotiate with Washington. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is currently focused on national defence. “At present, we have no plans to negotiate and remain focused on the defence of the country,” Baghaei said. He stressed that Iran would not comply with any agreement if the US violated its obligations, adding that he believed the United States had disregarded the ceasefire from the outset. “This is a principle, and we will continue to adhere to it,” Baghaei stated.