Iran accused the United States of carrying out strikes near its only operating civilian nuclear power plant as renewed fighting between Tehran and Washington entered a second day, raising concerns about a wider regional escalation.
Iranian media reported explosions in Bushehr province in southern Iran, including areas near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Local officials said there were no reported casualties from the strikes.
Iran Reports Damage From U.S. Strikes
Iranian authorities said U.S. overnight attacks also damaged three railway bridges, including a bridge along a route connecting Tehran and Mashhad in northeastern Iran.
The reported strikes occurred as thousands gathered in Mashhad for the burial of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the Imam Reza Shrine.
The funeral followed days of mourning events across Iran and Iraq as military tensions continued between Iran and the United States.
Iran Reports Deaths and Injuries
Iran’s health ministry said recent U.S. strikes killed 14 people and injured 78 others.
A ministry spokesperson said 47 injured people remained hospitalized.
The source does not provide further details about the identities of those killed or the locations of all reported casualties.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks Across Gulf Region
Iran said it responded by targeting locations it described as U.S. bases across the Gulf, including sites in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
A U.S. official told AFP that dozens of missiles and drones launched by Iran did not cause significant damage or injuries to American personnel.
The full extent of damage from the attacks remains disputed between the two sides.
Israel Warns Operations Against Iran Could Resume
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel could restart military operations against Iran if necessary, warning that future action could be stronger than previous campaigns.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran had been weakened by earlier military operations but suggested the conflict was not over.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Concern
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said U.S. military actions and involvement in shipping routes were affecting efforts to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, particularly for global energy transportation.
Any prolonged disruption could affect international trade and energy markets.
Background: Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions
The latest exchanges follow a breakdown in efforts to maintain stability between Washington and Tehran.
Both countries have accused each other of escalating the conflict, while regional governments face pressure to prevent further expansion of hostilities.
The Bushehr nuclear facility is Iran’s only operating civilian nuclear power plant, making military activity near the area particularly sensitive.
What Is Not Stated in the Source
The source does not confirm whether the Bushehr nuclear facility itself was damaged.
It also does not state:
- whether radiation levels were affected,
- whether nuclear operations were interrupted,
- or whether international nuclear monitoring agencies have independently verified the reports.
What Happens Next
The focus will be on whether military exchanges continue, whether the conflict expands to involve more regional actors, and whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation.
International attention will also remain on the Bushehr nuclear facility and the security situation around the Strait of Hormuz.
Why It Matters
Reports of strikes near nuclear infrastructure raise international concerns because of the potential risks to civilian facilities and regional stability.
The continued fighting also threatens security around the Gulf, where disruption to shipping routes could affect global energy supplies.
With Iran, the United States, and Israel exchanging warnings, the possibility of further escalation remains a major international concern.
Conclusion
Iran says U.S. strikes reached areas near the Bushehr nuclear power plant as fighting between the two countries continued.
While Iranian officials reported explosions, casualties, and damage to nearby infrastructure, the impact on the nuclear facility itself remains unclear as tensions continue across the region.
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