Middle East ablaze with missiles and drones as US strikes target Iran’s heartland

The Middle East is experiencing heightened tensions as the United States carried out its seventh consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the attacks involved fighter jets, drones, and warships targeting Iranian observation posts, military infrastructure, underground weapons depots, and naval capabilities. These strikes occurred as Iran announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz and initiated its own missile and drone campaign against US military installations in the Gulf and other Arab nations.

Iranian media reported that the US attacks early Saturday morning concentrated on several provinces, including Hormozgan, Khuzestan, and Bushehr. Loud explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm Island, Hormuz Island, and Jadak. The strikes also hit areas in the country's center, with an explosion reported in Omidiyeh. Initial reports from officials in Hormozgan province stated that the US attacks resulted in three deaths and eight injuries. Significant damage was inflicted on three bridges and tunnels in Hormozgan, disrupting the road connecting Bandar Abbas and Rudan, leading authorities to close several main roads.

Further US strikes targeted electricity facilities and water desalination pumps near Jask, impacting drinking water supplies to several villages. A US missile also struck a maritime traffic control tower on Larak Island. In response to the escalating conflict, the Iranian Ministry of Education canceled final exams in several southern provinces. Meanwhile, the Iranian army and Revolutionary Guard launched operations targeting what they termed "American interests" in neighboring countries, prompting Kuwaiti air defenses to intercept Iranian missile and drone attacks and leading Kuwait Airways to reschedule flights due to airspace closure.