US strikes hit southern Iran, children's cancer hospital evacuated

The United States launched a new wave of airstrikes against southern Iran late Wednesday and early Thursday, targeting the provinces of Khuzestan, Hormozgan and Sistan and Baluchestan. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes, stating they were aimed at Iranian military capabilities allegedly used to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

In Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, at least five projectiles were reported by the deputy security governor. One strike landed near Baghaei Hospital, a specialist cancer treatment center for children. The blast shattered windows in nearby homes, causing panic among families of young patients. More than 200 patients were transferred to other hospitals in the city, according to the local medical university, and the hospital was temporarily taken out of service. Health officials confirmed that no patients were harmed.

Explosions were also heard on Qeshm Island, where the intensity of attacks increased before dawn. Some blasts originated from coastal areas and the waters of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. In Sistan and Baluchestan province, three powerful explosions were reported in Chabahar, with further blasts in Rask and the port of Konarak. Residents of Bandar Abbas also reported hearing explosions.

According to Mehr News Agency, the attacks represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The strikes come amid heightened tensions over shipping security in the strategic waterway.