New Delhi: The fierce conflict between the US and Iran has escalated dramatically, with both sides launching attacks against each other. The US military is in no mood to spare Iran and has launched major strikes on its strategic installations. Following these attacks, reports of explosions have emerged from several cities, including Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Sirik, Konarak, Rask, Khondab, Khorramabad, and Semnan.
For the first time, massive explosions were also heard in parts of northern Iran. Iran has completely shut down the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global traffic. The US is continuously attacking Iran in an effort to reopen this route. Due to the rising tensions in the Middle East, people in several countries have been advised not to venture outdoors.
Iran Activates Air Defence Systems
According to Iranian media, air defense systems have been activated over the capital, Tehran, as well as Pakdasht and Parchin. Areas around Semnan Airport have also been targeted. Meanwhile, Iran has denied suffering any significant damage from these US attacks; Iranian officials claim that only a shed and some windows at the airport terminal were damaged.
The US military states that the objective of these strikes is to degrade Iran’s military capabilities that threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military claimed to have stopped an oil tanker—which was heading from the Strait of Hormuz toward an Iranian port by striking it with a Hellfire missile; the course of two other vessels was also altered.
Iran Wreaks Havoc in Gulf Nations
In retaliation for the US attacks, the Iranian military has intensified its counteractions across Gulf nations. The Iranian military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missile and drone strikes on US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain as part of “Operation Lightning.” According to Iran, US Patriot air defence systems and fuel depots at Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Airbase have been fully targeted.
Drone attacks were also carried out against communication systems and radar installations at Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Airbase. Jordan confirmed that its air force intercepted and shot down eight Iranian missiles heading towards the country. Additionally, Iran has claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the southwestern city of Andimeshk.
35 Iranians Killed
Thirty-five Iranians have recently died in attacks by the US military; the Iranian Ministry of Health has confirmed these fatalities, while over 300 people have been injured. Two hundred and eleven patients have been safely transferred from Ahvaz’s Shahid Baghaei Hospital to other hospitals for treatment.
Visible Impact on Global Trade
It is worth noting that the conflict between the US and Iran is having a clear impact on a global scale. According to Lloyd’s List, an organisation tracking maritime trade, the movement of non-Iranian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz has come to a complete standstill. Many ships are resorting to “dark transit” switching off their transponders to conceal their identities. For the fourth consecutive day, the price of Brent crude has risen to $85.28 per barrel, sparking fresh concerns in the global energy market.
