38 killed, over 400 injured in US strikes targeting civilian infra in Iran, reports state media
Tehran, July 18
At least 38 people have been killed and more than 400 others injured in US strikes across several Iranian provinces, Iran's Health Ministry said on Friday, stating that the attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power facilities and the maritime control tower at Chabahar's Shahid Kalantari Port.
According to Iranian state media Press TV, the strikes carried out from late Thursday into early Friday affected areas in the Hormozgan, Bushehr, Sistan and Baluchestan, Khuzestan and Lorestan provinces.
Iran's Health Ministry said the casualties included three women and one person below the age of 18, while 47 injured people remain hospitalised.
The maritime control tower at Shahid Kalantari Port in Chabahar was also destroyed in the strikes. However, the port's berths, cargo-handling facilities and other operational infrastructure remained intact, with no casualties reported at the site, as reported by Press TV.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday (local time) confirmed that it has "successfully destroyed" the surveillance tower at Iran's Shahid Kalantari Port in Chabahar, saying the facility formed part of a maritime surveillance network used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to monitor commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian news agency IRNA said technical and operational teams began assessing the damage, securing the area and reviewing steps to resume port activities. Cargo loading and unloading operations are expected to restart after safety checks are completed, it added.
Meanwhile, authorities in Hormozgan province reported major damage after strikes hit several locations, including six bridges in Khamir County. The Hormozgan Governor's Office said seven people were killed and nine others injured in the attacks.
Officials said the strikes affected transport links connecting Bandar Abbas, Bandar Khamir and Lar, while emergency teams worked to restore movement through alternative routes, Press TV reported.
Iranian officials also reported casualties in Bandar Abbas, saying one person was killed and eight others injured after a strike hit a residential area. Separately, a railway branch station in the city was damaged, leaving two people injured, according to provincial authorities, as reported by Press TV.
In Bushehr province, Governor Mohammad Mozaffari said two strikes were reported within hours, injuring one person.
In Khuzestan province, Deputy Governor Valiollah Hayati said US forces targeted areas around Ahvaz, with authorities assessing the extent of damage. Iranian officials had earlier alleged that strikes near Ahvaz forced the temporary evacuation of Shahid Baghaei Hospital, which specialises in cancer treatment.
In western Iran's Lorestan province, Deputy Governor Saeed Pourali said a strike was reported in the Veysian district of Chegeni County.
The developments came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had carried out multiple rounds of strikes against Iran, targeting military capabilities, including coastal surveillance systems, air defence sites, logistics infrastructure and maritime assets.
Iranian authorities have accused the United States of targeting civilian infrastructure, while Washington has said its operations are aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities and responding to threats against regional security.
Iran has also announced retaliatory strikes against US military assets in the region, claiming attacks on American positions in Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and Oman.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel terrible for the Iranian people caught in the middle of this conflict. The US claims it's about security, but non-targeting civilian areas like a cancer hospital in Ahvaz? That's not security, that's reckless. Chabahar port is also important for India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia—we must ensure our interests are protected. Hope peace prevails soon.
While I understand the US has its concerns about the IRGC's surveillance network, destroying a maritime control tower and bridges that civilians rely on daily is a massive overreaction. India has always advocated for de-escalation. The US should be wiser—attacks like these only strengthen hardliners in Iran and destabilise the region. Plus, is no one questioning why civilian casualties are so high? 🙏
As an Indian, I'm really troubled by this news. Our country has friendly ties with Iran—they've supported us during crises, like providing oil. Now seeing their infrastructure shattered is painful. The US needs to prove its claims that these were purely military targets; otherwise, this looks like a human rights violation. The world must speak out against such disproportionate retaliation. 🌍
A very serious escalation in the Middle East. While I'm not supporting any side blindly, it's hard to ignore that civilian infrastructure—like bridges, power plants, and ports—has been destroyed, leading to casualties. Iran's retaliation against US positions in Bahrain, Kuwait, etc., is worrying. India must use its diplomatic channels to call for an immediate ceasefire. The world doesn't need another war.
S We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.