US Strikes Iran: Boats Laying Mines Near Hormuz Destroyed; Explosions Also Reported in Bandar Abbas

New Delhi: In the early hours of Tuesday (Indian Standard Time), the US military carried out large-scale airstrikes against Iranian military bases and boats in southern Iran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), this operation was conducted to ensure the safety of US troops and warships. The strikes targeted missile launch sites as well as Iranian boats that were allegedly attempting to lay naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins issued a statement confirming that US forces executed self-defense strikes in southern Iran. He stated that the US military neutralized threats emanating from Iranian forces. The US is exercising restraint during the current ceasefire; however, necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of its troops.

US officials claim that this operation was initiated after two boats belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were observed laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Subsequently, the US Navy and Air Force launched immediate retaliatory strikes. Officials asserted that both boats were destroyed.

Missile Site in Bandar Abbas Also Attacked
Additionally, the US military struck a Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) site in the Bandar Abbas region. US officials stated that this missile site had attempted to target US combat aircraft. In the retaliatory strike, the missile launcher and associated military infrastructure were destroyed.

Citing US officials, Fox News reported that the scope of this attack was kept limited and was not intended to further escalate the ongoing conflict with Iran. Officials also emphasized that this operation does not signal the end of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, this sequence of events has once again heightened tensions in the Gulf region.

Amidst these developments, reports of explosions emerged from several areas in southern Iran. Iranian media confirmed blasts near Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Jask. All these locations are situated in the vicinity of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil exports passes. A senior U.S. official later stated that while military action has currently concluded, U.S. forces in the region remain on high alert.