The US military has launched a series of missile strikes on targets in Iran, hitting several cities in Hormozgan and Khuzestan provinces. Early reports indicate casualties and damage, according to infohub.kz.
Iranian sources say the strikes hit the coastal city of Sirik near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz (Hormozgan province), as well as the industrial hub of Ahvaz, and the cities of Ramshir and Andimeshk in Khuzestan. In the latter, a missile struck the passenger terminal at the Shelemche border crossing between Iran and Iraq. Preliminary reports say two people were killed, and search and rescue operations are ongoing. The border crossing remains open.
Amid the escalation, Kuwait's military activated air defense systems to repel drone attacks from Iranian territory. Kuwaiti air defenses successfully intercepted aerial targets, and residents were urged to observe safety precautions.
According to Axios, the US president is considering a significant expansion of military operations against Iran in the coming days. The Wall Street Journal reports that the US is actively deploying special operations forces, fighter jets, and additional medical personnel to the Middle East. Strategic bombers at bases in the US and UK have been placed on heightened alert. Washington is also weighing scenarios including intensified bombing, strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, and deploying ground forces to seize islands in the Strait of Hormuz.