Explosions Near Iranian Nuclear Facility; US Denies Role, Israel Warns of Renewed Strikes
A series of explosions were reported across southern Iran on Thursday, including near the Bushehr nuclear facility, according to Iranian media. The United States has denied involvement, and Tehran has not officially blamed any country.
Iranian state media, cited by AFP, said a US-Israeli projectile struck a military headquarters on the outskirts of Bushehr, which hosts Iran's only civilian nuclear plant. Deputy Governor of Bushehr province, Ehsan Jahanian, stated that multiple areas were targeted, including the perimeter of the nuclear power plant, a military base in Choghadak, and a fishing pier. No casualties have been reported.
Three additional explosions were heard in the southern city of Konarak, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency. A US official told Al Jazeera that Washington's military was not behind the latest attack.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened on Thursday to resume military action against Iran with greater force. 'The army is ready and on alert for a resumption of fighting... to strike again in Iran, to eliminate threats, including a third time if necessary,' Katz said at a military ceremony. He added that if necessary, Israel would return with even greater force.
The explosions occurred hours after Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried at the holy shrine of Imam Reza. The United States had launched a series of powerful strikes against Iran on Tuesday, in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the strikes were meant to impose heavy costs for targeting commercial shipping.
The targets included air-defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missile sites, drone launch sites, and port facilities, according to an Axios report. A US official described the strikes as 'four or five times bigger in scope and power' than previous strikes in the region.
Following the attacks, US President Donald Trump declared the interim memorandum of understanding with Iran as 'over,' stating, 'It's just a waste of time dealing with them.' The situation remains tense, with no immediate confirmation of further escalation.
