US strikes on Iranian port cities leave at least 14 dead, 78 injured
Iranian authorities have reported that at least 14 people were killed and more than 78 injured in attacks over the past two days, as the US launched fresh strikes on targets including the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik. US Central Command confirmed the attacks, stating they were carried out to 'further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.'
Residents describe back-to-back explosions and growing fear
Residents in southern Iran have described two nights of terror this week. Noor, a 40-year-old teacher living near the fishing pier in Posht-e Shahr, Bandar Abbas, said the strikes were stronger than most in recent months. 'Right now there's calm, but last night and the night before were terrifying. It was around 1am or so that I heard back-to-back explosions – at least 10. There were perhaps also the sounds of the air defences. We have a little cat at home. He was so scared and hid under the bed,' she said.
Noor expressed fear that attacks may continue, especially for fishermen. 'My biggest fear is for the fishermen. I live very close to the pier, and I know there were so many boats there with just fishermen trying to start early because it's getting hot early in the morning.' She added that many more have been injured and several killed in the latest strikes, raising concerns about civilian impact.
Strikes on water facilities worsen shortages amid extreme heat
The fresh strikes also hit Sirik, a port city about 180km from Bandar Abbas. Attacks on two water storage facilities have reportedly affected more than 20,000 civilians, exacerbating existing water shortages. Mina, 41, a mother of two, has been rationing water and paying for water cans for daily chores since June's attacks. She said further strikes would worsen already dire living conditions as temperatures rise above 45C. 'We have a water shortage every year, but last month's attacks on the drinking water plants mean we need to not only prepare for yearly water crises during summer but also for any new attacks like the one last night. Everyone is fearful, especially since we have been regularly targeted,' she added.
Residents feel abandoned, trapped in cycle of uncertainty
Many families rely on fishing and maritime work, making it difficult to leave. Mina said, 'We can afford to leave for a few days, but not for a long time, and at this point we have no idea what to prepare for. We feel abandoned and in the dark.' Noor echoed this sentiment, noting that livelihoods depend on staying. She also feared that authorities might shut down the internet again, as happened during an 88-day blackout that ended in May, leaving many without income.
Mohsen, another resident of Bandar Abbas, described feeling hopeless and insecure. 'When the ceasefire happened, I felt that perhaps peace and calm could return to our lives, and we had started working on healing our psychological trauma. But then the bombings have started again, and the feelings of despair, hopelessness and insecurity have become stronger,' he wrote. He described being trapped in a cycle of endless unanswered questions: 'What will happen after this? How are we supposed to plan for the continuation of our lives? How long are we going to remain in this terrifying state of limbo?'
