US Strikes Iran: IRGC Speedboats Attacked, 14 Provinces Targeted

New Delhi. The conflict between the US and Iran has intensified, marked by fierce missile and drone attacks. In retaliation for US strikes, Iran has targeted American bases across several Middle Eastern countries. Additionally, Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on the social media platform X that the US launched a new series of airstrikes against Iran starting Sunday. According to US officials, these strikes targeted Iranian missile systems, air defense installations, and high-speed IRGC speedboats.

CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins stated that US fighter jets shot down an Iranian cruise missile and a suicide drone in mid-air. In a phone interview on Sunday afternoon, US President Donald Trump referred to the strikes, saying, “We are hitting them hard.”

*Series of Explosions in Iran; One Dead*

Following the US strikes, explosions were heard west of the city of Bandar Abbas and in various areas including Qeshm Island, Jask, Sirik, and Bushehr. Qeshm Governor Hossein Amir-Taimouri reported that 10 to 11 enemy projectiles had struck the island. He noted that all attacks targeted military installations and there were no reports of civilian casualties.

According to the Lebanese news channel Al-Mayadeen, US fighter jets and missiles have so far targeted 14 different provinces across Iran.

*Iran Expands Scope of Conflict to Gulf Nations*

In response to the US strikes, Iran unleashed a barrage of rockets and drones against US-linked targets throughout the Middle East. Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on a US command center in Jordan, a HIMARS missile launcher system in Kuwait, an aircraft carrier support platform in Oman, and a jet maintenance center in Qatar.

However, according to Iran’s state news agency ‘IRNA’, a maintenance worker was killed and two others were injured during US attacks in Hormozgan. Additionally, a US attack on a water pumping station in Mahshahr, Iran, resulted in one death and four injuries.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the US attacks, describing them as ‘aggressive’. Iran also alleged that talks held in Muscat on Saturday between Iran and Oman regarding maritime routes failed to reach a conclusion due to US pressure.

*Strait of Hormuz Becomes the Main Battlefield*
The conflict is currently centered once again on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s ‘Persian Gulf Strait Authority’ has stated that no ships will be permitted to pass through this route due to the US military’s illegal activities in the region.

On the other hand, the US has dismissed Iran’s claim. US Central Command stated, “Iran has no control over this waterway. Ship traffic continues, and the US military remains fully prepared to safeguard freedom of navigation.”

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence reported damage to three of its northern border outposts and an offshore oil drilling platform, resulting in injury to one worker. Qatar reported that three people, including a child, were injured by falling missile debris. Qatar has directly held Iran responsible for this incident.