Iran Claims U.S. Missiles Target Major Coastal Cities

As the military conflict between the United States and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz enters its fourth day, Iranian authorities have claimed that U.S. missile attacks have struck several major coastal cities in the south.

According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency on July 14, key locations along the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, including Khuzestan, Hormozgan, and Bushehr provinces, were hit by a series of attacks in the afternoon.

The Bushehr provincial government reported that four areas in Bushehr city were targeted by missile strikes.

The Hormozgan provincial government also announced that missiles landed in the western part of Bandar Abbas, a military and commercial hub, stating that the extent of casualties and damage is still under investigation.

Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that a residential area in Hormozgan was attacked, resulting in the deaths of a family. Around the same time, the Khuzestan provincial government claimed that Abadan and Mashahr were also hit by missile attacks.

The deputy governor for security in Khuzestan stated, "At approximately 1:25 p.m., a location in Abadan County was struck by a missile fired by U.S. forces," adding, "Five minutes later, another missile landed near Mashahr."

Abadan and Mashahr are located close to the borders with Iraq and Kuwait and are home to key oil and chemical industry facilities in Iran.