Washington: The United States has announced the completion of its latest offensive against Iran, a military operation orchestrated by the U.S. Central Command under the direction of President Donald Trump. The offensive targeted key Iranian military infrastructure to neutralize potential threats in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, U.S. forces reported that the operation targeted Iranian command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities. Significant targets included Bandar Abbas, which houses Iran's largest port, as well as crucial naval and Revolutionary Guard assets in the Strait of Hormuz. The offensive's primary objective was to dismantle military capabilities that could threaten cargo ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz, an essential international shipping lane.
Three senior U.S. officials disclosed that the attacks aimed to facilitate open shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and diminish Iran's ability to conduct more advanced military operations in the future. As part of the operation, the U.S. military deployed Hellfire missiles to disable an empty oil tanker's propulsion systems. The vessel was attempting to reach Iran's Kharg Island, having ignored multiple warnings. This action is part of the broader strategy following the reimposition of a naval blockade on Iran, which has resulted in the diversion of two ships and the suspension of another from sailing.
Iranian media outlets have provided additional details on the impact of the U.S. offensive. Iran's Mehr news agency reported that four areas around the city of Ahvaz, including the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, were targeted. Despite the extensive nature of the attacks, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, Iran's Tasnim news agency noted that explosions were heard in the southern city of Konarak.