US strikes hit residential areas in southern Iran

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday evening that American forces began airstrikes at 8:00 p.m. ET (00:00 GMT Thursday), describing the operation as a "powerful response" to what it called "attempted Iranian attacks" on US forces in the region the previous day. Explosions were reported in several locations across southern Iran, according to local sources and media.

Three explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, as reported by Tasnim news agency. Explosions also occurred in Bushehr province, according to IRIB state broadcaster. A deputy security minister in Khuzestan province said US forces targeted "some locations in Abadan." Two explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, and similar sounds were reported on the islands of Abu Musa, Kish, and Qeshm. A senior Hormozgan province official stated that no attacks occurred in Sirik.

Locals reported that a missile struck a residential area on Qeshm Island, though information on casualties remains unavailable. IRIB reported that two people were trapped under rubble after a US strike on a residential building in the Chah-Tango neighborhood of Qeshm city. The deputy governor of Hormozgan province confirmed the building was "hit by enemy projectiles" and that search and rescue operations are underway.

US forces also hit several locations in Ahvaz, Khuzestan province, causing power outages in some parts of the city. At least seven locations in Ahvaz were struck, according to IRIB. Explosions were heard in Shadegan, Arvandkenar, and Abadan. CENTCOM claimed it had completed a "heavy wave of strikes against Iran" and that its assets struck dozens of IRGC targets.

The latest US assault follows the IRGC's defensive missile operation targeting US military positions in Jordan, which was a response to the ongoing American military presence in the region. US and Jordanian officials claimed all ballistic missiles were intercepted with no casualties. The strikes come after a brief pause in US bombing, which American officials had said was intended for diplomacy. US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with further punishment, stating it was "our turn" and vowing to hit the country "very hard."

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that any aggression will be met with decisive reciprocal action. Tehran has condemned previous US attacks as violations of international law and the UN Charter. According to Mehr News Agency, the presence of US forces in West Asia remains the root cause of tension, and their removal would end the cycle of confrontation.