US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran's Port Cities
The United States conducted a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran's port cities early Thursday, killing at least 12 people and wounding 40 others, according to Iranian state media. The strikes targeted key infrastructure in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, two major ports on the Persian Gulf, causing widespread panic among residents.
Iranian officials condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and vowed retaliation. "This act of aggression will not go unanswered," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh in a statement. The US military confirmed the strikes, stating they were aimed at disrupting Iran's ability to transport weapons and military supplies to proxy forces in the region.
Residents in the targeted areas described scenes of terror as explosions rocked the cities. "We heard a huge blast and then the whole building shook. People were screaming and running in the streets," said a local shopkeeper in Bandar Abbas who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Impact on Civilian Population and Infrastructure
The airstrikes damaged several residential buildings, a hospital, and a school, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. Emergency services rushed to the scenes to rescue survivors and treat the wounded. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
The US military said it took precautions to minimize civilian casualties, but acknowledged that collateral damage was unavoidable. "We regret any loss of innocent life, but our operations are necessary to protect American interests and our allies," said Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, which has seen a series of tit-for-tat attacks over the past months. Analysts warn that the situation could spiral into a full-scale war, drawing in other regional powers.
International Reaction and Calls for De-escalation
The United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both sides to exercise restraint. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalation and called for dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Russia and China condemned the US strikes, with Moscow calling for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc was "deeply alarmed" and urged all parties to avoid further violence.
In Tehran, thousands of protesters took to the streets, chanting anti-US slogans and burning American flags. The Iranian government declared three days of mourning for the victims.
