US launches ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iran; Tabriz, Chabahar shaken by blasts, fire breaks out near Hormuz

Military tensions between the United States and Iran continued to escalate as US forces carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on Iran for the ninth consecutive night.

Acting on the direct orders of the US President, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched another major wave of aerial attacks at around 7 pm US time. American fighter jets and missiles have now targeted Iranian positions for nine straight nights as the conflict shows no signs of easing.

CENTCOM says strikes target Iranian military capabilities

According to CENTCOM, the objective of the latest operation is to destroy Iran’s military capabilities that pose a threat to commercial shipping and civilian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports said several locations were targeted during the strikes, including areas around the northwestern city of Tabriz. Iranian media also reported hearing powerful explosions in the southern provinces of Hormozgan and Bushehr.

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Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency said multiple blasts were also reported in the southeastern city of Chabahar, prompting Iranian air defence systems to be activated in the nearby Konarak region.

Merchant ship catches fire near Strait of Hormuz

Amid the ongoing conflict, the British military reported a major fire aboard a large commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman.

The identity of the ship and the cause of the fire have not yet been officially confirmed. However, there is speculation that the vessel may have been caught in the crossfire or struck during the ongoing military confrontation involving Iran or US-backed forces.

US Embassy in Bahrain issues security advisory

As regional tensions continue to rise, the US Embassy in Manama, Bahrain, has issued a security alert for American citizens.

The embassy said it had received information suggesting that Iran could attempt to target unidentified locations in central Manama. US nationals have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary risks and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

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