A surveillance tower at Iran’s Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman has reportedly collapsed following a fresh wave of US strikes, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The development comes as attacks between the two sides continue for a sixth consecutive night.
Images circulating on social media showed a tower-like structure crumbling amid large clouds of dust and smoke. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth later shared one of the visuals on social media, drawing further attention to the reported damage.
Chabahar among latest targets
Iranian media confirmed that Chabahar port was struck for a third time, although there was no immediate official acknowledgement of the reported collapse of the surveillance tower.
The strategic port serves as an important trade gateway for Afghanistan and has been developed with India’s support.
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The latest attacks are part of a broader US military campaign against Iran. The US Central Command said its forces carried out another round of strikes beginning at 6 pm GMT to “further degrade Iranian military capabilities”, according to a post on X.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 17, 2026
Iran’s IRNA news agency also reported that “Some infrastructure in several provinces of the country came under US military attack,” adding that six bridges in the southern province of Hormozgan were among the targets.
Casualties mount as conflict widens
Iranian state media reported that eight people were killed in overnight strikes, while 20 others sustained injuries.
According to AFP, Iran’s Health Ministry said the death toll since the latest round of fighting began on June 22 has risen to 38, with around 400 people injured.
The conflict also spread beyond Iran’s borders. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they had “targeted and destroyed” two US radar sites in Oman, including facilities used for maritime and air surveillance.
Regional tensions continue
Jordan’s military said it intercepted and shot down three Iranian missiles, adding that there were no casualties.
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Iran also claimed to have targeted US military infrastructure in Kuwait, while Bahrain and Qatar reported attacks early Friday.
Iranian state media further reported strikes on an airport, a railway station in the port city of Bandar Abbas, two bridges near the Strait of Hormuz, and Bushehr city, home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant, where two explosions were reported.
FAQs:
Why is Chabahar port important?
Chabahar is a strategic port on the Gulf of Oman that serves as a key trade gateway for Afghanistan and has been developed with India’s support.
What happened at Chabahar port?
A surveillance tower at the port was reportedly damaged after fresh US strikes, while Iranian media confirmed another attack on the facility.
