Chabahar, Iran – The India-backed Chabahar Port in Iran was reportedly struck by US military forces on Thursday, marking the second consecutive day of intensified American attacks against Tehran. Local reports from Iranian state media indicated explosions and widespread power outages across the city of Chabahar following the strikes.
The offensive comes after US President Donald Trump declared the US-Iran ceasefire, established by a June 17 memorandum of understanding, officially “over.” The White House is reportedly preparing for what could evolve into a multi-day or multi-week military campaign, primarily aimed at reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port
Located on the Makran coast in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, Chabahar Port is Iran's only deep-water oceanic port. It comprises the Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti terminals. For India, the port holds immense strategic and economic significance, providing a crucial bypass to Pakistan for trade and humanitarian aid routes into Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port is situated approximately 170 km west of Pakistan's Gwadar Port.
Escalating Tensions and US Objectives
US officials have stated that restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is the administration's primary military objective. A US official, speaking to Axios, reportedly stated Washington's intent to “slap them a bit so they understand we're not fing around,” indicating that the duration of military operations would depend on Iran's response.
US Vice President JD Vance echoed this stance, warning that any Iranian attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a severe US military response. He affirmed that American strikes would persist “until they open up that lane and stop shooting at ships.”
Iran's Response and Diplomatic Claims
Following the two days of US attacks, Iran has claimed to have launched missile and drone strikes against US military bases located in Kuwait and Bahrain. Despite the severe escalation, President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Iranian officials had “called a little while ago” expressing a desire to “make a deal.” However, Trump expressed skepticism regarding Iran's sincerity, stating, “I just don't know if they're worthy of making a deal. I don't know that they're going to honor the deal.” Iran has not immediately confirmed any direct contact with US officials regarding a deal.