The US launched the third day in a row of strikes on Iran: explosions were heard in Bushehr, Konarak and Choghadak | Today’s news
Fresh explosions were reported in southern Iran on Thursday as the United States carried out a third straight day of military strikes, further escalating tensions with Tehran and raising fears that a fragile truce has completely collapsed.
Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that at least six explosions were heard in Bushehr and Choghadak, while blasts were also reported in Konarak. Bushehr is home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant.
The latest blows came as Iran prepared to bury former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the holy city of Mashhad after six days of funeral rites. Khamenei was killed in the opening phase of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran on February 28.
American strikes hit Bushehr, railway infrastructure
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Recent US military strikes have targeted locations including Bushehr, home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant, as well as Choghadak and Konarak.
The US has escalated military action against Iran in response to perceived threats and attacks by Iranian forces, particularly missile and drone activities affecting US military assets.
Iran responded by launching attacks on US-linked military installations in the Persian Gulf, targeting assets in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, among others.
Yes, Iranian officials have warned of harsh retaliation and threatened to expand their attacks, suggesting the potential for continued conflict after the US strikes.
The US strikes damaged key railway infrastructure, specifically targeting sections of the Tehran-Mashad railway, leading to significant disruption to train services.
Iranian state media said the US strike hit the area of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, citing the deputy governor of the province. Separately, another strike reportedly targeted a section of the Tehran-Mashhad railway about 55 kilometers from Mashhad, disrupting train services and forcing passengers to continue their journey by bus.
According to US military officials, Thursday’s operation targeted about 90 Iranian military facilities, including air defense systems, missile storage facilities and drone infrastructure.
Iranian authorities said US strikes had killed 17 people in recent days, while other attacks were reported in the southern coastal provinces.
Iran is targeting US military assets in the Persian Gulf
Iran responded by launching new attacks against US-allied military installations throughout the Persian Gulf.
Iran’s military said it used drones to target a Patriot missile system in Kuwait, an early warning facility in Qatar and fuel depots in Bahrain.
Jordan’s military said it intercepted eight missiles fired from Iran after air raid sirens rang out in parts of the country.
A US defense official said dozens of Iranian missiles and drones were either intercepted or caused no significant damage, adding that no US personnel were injured.
Khamenei’s funeral under strict security measures
Renewed fighting unfolded as huge crowds gathered in Mashhad for Khamenei’s funeral.
State television showed thousands of mourners dressed in black chanting slogans calling for revenge, with security heavily beefed up. Due to large crowds, the authorities transported Khamenei’s coffin to the Imam Reza shrine by helicopter.
According to footage released by the former supreme leader’s official website, the plane carrying the coffin was accompanied by at least one fighter jet.
Attention also remained focused on Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father but has not yet appeared in public since his appointment.
Israel warns of further measures
Israeli leaders have also hardened their stance amid renewed conflict.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel is ready to attack Iran “a third time” if necessary, and vowed that any future operation will be carried out “with even greater force”.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was preparing for every possible scenario.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are deepening
The latest escalation comes at a time of rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which typically passes through about a fifth of the world’s oil reserves.
Maritime traffic monitoring data showed that tanker traffic through the strategic waterway has fallen sharply following recent attacks on commercial vessels.
US President Donald Trump has said the ceasefire with Iran is effectively “ended”, leaving open the possibility of future negotiations. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that “if you strike, you will be hit.”
Read also | US completes strikes against Iran, releases videos showing strikes on 90 targets
