The United States informed Israel it plans to launch strong strikes against Iran tonight, according to Al Arabiya, as reports emerge of explosions on Qeshm and Kharg Islands. The cause and extent of damage are not yet known.
At 23:22 Jerusalem, reports emerged of explosions on Iran's Qeshm and Kharg Islands, with Kharg serving as the country's primary oil export hub. These blasts follow a series of escalating developments that The Zioneer has been tracking since 20:50 Jerusalem, when an Israeli source told Al Arabiya that the United States had informed Israel it would carry out powerful strikes on Iran tonight.
The thread began at 20:50 Jerusalem with an Israeli defense assessment that a US strike could trigger Iranian retaliation. Within minutes, an Israeli source confirmed to Al Arabiya that the US had given advance notice of powerful strikes. Reports then emerged of US strikes targeting Iranian assets in the Strait of Hormuz, followed by explosions in Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, and Lavan Island. By 20:50 Jerusalem, the US military officially confirmed that a wave of strikes was underway, and new explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas and Kish Island. The chain of reporting evolved from an unverified Israeli assessment to on-the-record confirmation from US officials.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the broader context of US-Iran tensions. On June 11, President Trump threatened 'very hard' strikes and outlined a plan to seize Kharg Island. Earlier, on June 6, mysterious explosions were reported on Kharg Island and drone attacks on Qeshm Island. These incidents underscore the strategic importance of the locations now being targeted.
The cause of the latest explosions on Qeshm and Kharg Islands and any damage or casualties have not been independently confirmed. The full scope of the US operation and potential Iranian response remain unclear.
6 developments
- DevelopingIran Reports: Mysterious Explosions on Kharg Island, Drones Attack Qeshm
- ConfirmedUS official confirms ongoing strikes against Iran; new explosions heard in Bandar Abbas and Kish Island
- DevelopingIranian reports describe fresh explosion on Kish Island
- StrongTrump Threatens 'Very Hard' Strikes on Iran Tonight, Outlines Plan for Kharg Island Seizure
Source and signal
- Internal intake