AFP and Iran’s state-run IRNA reported that in the pre-dawn hours U.S. and Israeli forces struck the Bandar Khamir pier in the southern port city, killing at least five and wounding four. Ships, vehicles and pier facilities were destroyed.
Bandar Khamir lies adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil shipments pass. The strike came amid growing speculation that the U.S. could soon launch ground operations inside Iran. Explosions were reported across northern Tehran after the attack.
IRNA said, “The American–Zionist enemies carried out a criminal attack on the Bandar Khamir pier.”
The Washington Post reported that U.S. officials have discussed options to deploy special operations forces and elite infantry to conduct surprise strikes on Kharg Island — a key Iranian oil export terminal — or on coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has vowed a hardline response. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened it could attack American universities in the Middle East.
