US airstrikes kill dozens in southern Iran, injure hundreds

The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes across southern Iran, targeting military sites, coastal defence systems, missile depots and the Bushehr nuclear plant area. Iranian officials say the latest wave left more than 30 civilians dead and over 260 injured, including six children and three women. The Iranian health ministry reported seven members of the 388th Brigade were also killed.

One strike hit an environmental ranger post in Hormozgan Province, killing two sons and a daughter‑in‑law of a park ranger while the ranger himself survived. Fatemeh Mohajerani, a government spokesperson, said the victims were civilians and expressed condolences to their families.

U.S. Central Command said the attacks were intended to “degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.” President Donald Trump warned that further strikes could target power plants and bridges if Tehran does not return to negotiations. Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, and warned the Strait could be closed until the U.S. ceases its “acts of aggression.” The conflict has already reduced ship traffic through the strait to well below pre‑war levels.