U.S. airstrikes targeting infrastructure in southern Iran have reportedly caused significant disruption and instilled fear among residents, damaging key transportation links and isolating communities.
Interviews with individuals in the affected regions suggest widespread anxiety, with residents expressing concern over the destruction of vital infrastructure. Marzieh, a resident of the port city of Bandar Abbas, cited accounts from friends indicating that roads surrounding the city had been "devastated." Like other Iranians interviewed, she provided only her first name due to fears of retribution.
According to Iran's state news agency, overnight strikes on Saturday damaged a tunnel and three bridges in the Hormozgan province. Provincial authorities advised residents to limit travel until further notice. Hormozgan Province, which encompasses Bandar Abbas, is strategically located along the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported that at least six locations nationwide were targeted, including Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz (capital of the oil-rich Khuzestan Province), and the inland cities of Lar and Darab in Fars province. A water desalination plant in Jask was also reportedly struck. The U.S. military has not yet responded to requests for comment on these specific claims.
By Saturday afternoon, some transportation routes affected by recent attacks appeared to be partially operational. State media indicated that passenger train services had resumed from Bandar Abbas and that an alternative route to the east of the city had been opened.
The U.S. military stated that its overnight strikes were aimed at "surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage and maritime capabilities." While the military did not mention civilian infrastructure, President Trump has previously threatened to strike such facilities, including power plants and bridges.
