US launches third straight day of strikes on Iran: Explosions heard in Bushehr, Konarak and Choghadak

Published 9 July 2026 · india

Fresh explosions were reported across southern Iran on Thursday as the United States carried out a third consecutive day of military strikes, further escalating tensions

Fresh explosions were reported across southern Iran on Thursday as the United States carried out a third consecutive day of military strikes, further escalating tensions with Tehran and raising fears that a fragile ceasefire has completely collapsed. Iran's Mehr news agency reported that at least six explosions were heard in Bushehr and Choghadak, while blasts were also reported in Konarak. Bushehr is home to Iran's only civilian nuclear power plant. The latest strikes came as Iran prepared to bury former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the holy city of Mashhad following six days of funeral ceremonies. Khamenei was killed in the opening phase of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran on February 28. US strikes hit Bushehr, railway infrastructure Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What locations in Iran were targeted by recent US military strikes? ⌵ The recent US military strikes targeted locations including Bushehr, which houses Iran's only civilian nuclear power plant, as well as Choghadak and Konarak. 2 Why did the US escalate military action against Iran? ⌵ The US escalated military action against Iran in response to perceived threats and attacks from Iranian forces, particularly regarding missile and drone activities affecting US military assets.

3 How did Iran respond to the US strikes on its territory? ⌵ Iran responded by launching attacks against US-linked military facilities in the Gulf, targeting assets in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, among others. 4 Should the US expect further actions from Iran after recent strikes? ⌵ Yes, Iranian officials have warned of severe retaliation and threatened to expand their attacks, indicating a potential for continued conflict following the US strikes. 5 What impact did the US strikes have on rail transportation in Iran? ⌵ The US strikes damaged key railway infrastructure, specifically targeting sections of the Tehran-Mashhad railway, which led to significant disruptions in train services. Iranian state media said a US strike hit the perimeter of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, citing the province's deputy governor. Separately, another strike reportedly targeted a section of the Tehran-Mashhad railway about 55 kilometres from Mashhad, disrupting train services and forcing passengers to continue their journeys by bus. According to US military officials, Thursday's operation targeted around 90 Iranian military sites, including air defence systems, missile storage facilities and drone infrastructure. Iranian authorities said US strikes over recent days had killed 17 people, while additional attacks were reported in southern coastal provinces.