US Strikes Several Areas in Southern Iran, Air Defences Activated

American attacks targeted several areas in southern Iran early Wednesday morning, with explosions and projectile impacts reported at multiple locations in Hormozgan province, according to Iranian media. The Tasnim news agency reported that the areas of Sirik, Qeshm Island, and Minab were targeted in strikes carried out by United States fighter jets. According to the report, at least six explosions were heard in the targeted areas, while Iranian state television confirmed that a projectile struck the town of Sirik. Iranian state media later confirmed that several projectiles also hit Qeshm Island. However, the precise nature and impact of the attacks remain unclear. The state broadcaster also reported that air defence systems in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Sirik had been activated. Separately, the Mehr news agency reported four explosions at the Port of Jask and another explosion on the outskirts of the city of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. The developments came after the United States Central Command announced that US forces had begun launching what it termed ‘self-defence’ strikes against Iran. CENTCOM stated the operation was launched in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter in a prior incident.