At least 14 people were killed and 78 were injured across five provinces after a strike hit an area on the outskirts of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran early Thursday, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. The attack came as the United States carried out another round of military operations against Iran, further raising tensions in the region.

IRNA, quoting Khuzestan deputy governor for security and law enforcement Valiollah Hayati, said the strike targeted a location near the city in the early hours of the day.

“The Israeli-US regime targeted a location on the outskirts of Ahvaz,” Hayati told IRNA, as reported by Al Jazeera, adding that “rescue and medical operations are currently underway.”

US says strikes meant to protect shipping

The latest military action followed the US decision to launch additional strikes on Iranian targets, with Washington saying the operations were aimed at protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

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US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic through the strategically important waterway. According to Reuters, the operation was launched after attacks on three cargo ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.

A US official also told Reuters that the latest strikes were larger in scale than those carried out the previous day.

The fresh attacks came shortly after US President Donald Trump declared that he believed the interim ceasefire with Iran was effectively “over”.

Iran responds as tensions deepen

Iran responded with a second consecutive day of missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, both of which host US military facilities. Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones. Qatar also issued an “elevated security threat” alert before later announcing that the immediate danger had passed.

Iran strikes US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain following attacks on Tehran | X/ANI
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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran would continue retaliating against US military action.

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Trump, speaking before the NATO Summit in Turkey, indicated that diplomatic efforts had broken down. On his Truth Social platform, he also warned that any further attacks on commercial shipping would invite a stronger US military response. However, he said he did not expect the conflict to return to full-scale war.

Iranian media also reported strikes in Bandar Abbas, Konarak and Chabahar, all key locations along the country’s southern coastline, including areas close to the Strait of Hormuz.

FAQs:

Why did the US launch fresh strikes on Iran?


The US said the strikes were aimed at protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on cargo vessels.

Where were casualties reported in the latest strikes?


Iranian state media reported that at least three people were killed near the southwestern city of Ahvaz.