US strikes Iran for eighth consecutive day

The United States has launched a new wave of airstrikes on targets across Iran under the direction of President Donald Trump. According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes began at 6 pm Saturday, US time.

Earlier, in a statement, CENTCOM said two US service members who were participating in operations alongside allied forces were killed while helping intercept Iranian ballistic missiles and drone attacks in Jordan. Another service member has also been listed as missing.

According to CENTCOM, the objective of the strikes is to further weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation also aims to swiftly hold the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accountable for the deaths of US service members.

Meanwhile, multiple Iranian media outlets have confirmed explosions at several locations across the country. The semi official Tasnim News Agency and Mehr News Agency reported that explosions were heard in the southern port cities of Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh. However, Hormozgan provincial authorities said that although they confirmed hearing the explosions, they could not confirm any missile strike or US airstrike.

Provincial officials also claimed that, contrary to various reports circulating on social media, there had been no strike or clash of any kind in Bandar Lengeh.

The report further said that multiple recent US airstrikes in Bandar Abbas had caused damage to various parts of the city’s infrastructure.

Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh are both located near the Strait of Hormuz, making them strategically important cities.

Source: Al Jazeera (Adapted)