Tehran: Days after US President Donald Trump announced the end of the ceasefire with Tehran, Iran on Thursday accused the US of targeting the area near
the country’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr province. The allegation came hours after Bushehr Governor Arslan Zare denied reports that the plant itself had been hit.
According to Iranian media reports, the US carried out strikes on Wednesday night. A video shared by Al Mehr News on X, which has since gone viral, shows smoke rising near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. A report by Al Jazeera said that missile shrapnel fell near the facility.
Latest developments raises concerns of further escalations
The latest developments have raised concerns about a further escalation of tensions in the region. Sirens were reportedly heard in Bahrain, which hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Missiles were also reportedly launched toward Kuwait and Qatar.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 14 people were killed and 78 others injured in US airstrikes over the past two days. Kuwaiti authorities said one person was injured by falling debris after the country’s air defenses intercepted three ballistic missiles, one cruise missile, and 10 drones. Bahrain also said it had intercepted incoming projectiles, while Qatar had not released official details at the time of reporting.
US claims of carrying out strikes on around 90 targets across Iran
Earlier, the US Central Command said it had carried out strikes on around 90 targets across Iran. Iran also released footage that it said showed the aftermath of the attacks, including damage to what appeared to be an airport runway and missile launchers.
The United States said the strikes were intended to “further degrade” Iran’s ability “to threaten freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route through which a significant share of the world’s oil shipments passes.
