Five Killed as US–Israel Strikes Hit Iranian Port Near Strait of Hormuz

|By Adejumo Adekunle

At least five people have been killed following coordinated strikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel on an Iranian port city near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian state media, the attack targeted a quay in Bandar Khamir, a port city in southern Iran. The country’s official news agency, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), described the incident as a “criminal assault,” confirming that five people lost their lives while four others sustained injuries.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with reports also indicating a series of loud explosions across the capital city, Tehran. Witnesses said the blasts were heard in the northern parts of the city, with plumes of smoke rising from multiple locations.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had carried out targeted strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. The Israeli military claimed the operations focused on command centres and weapons-related facilities.

In a statement posted on X, the IDF disclosed that the strikes hit sites linked to the production and storage of ballistic missiles, air defence systems, and surveillance infrastructure associated with the Iranian government.

The IDF further stated that Iran had recently moved some of its command operations to temporary locations, adding that several of these sites were successfully targeted and dismantled during the operation.

The latest escalation raises concerns over stability in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.