Chabahar under fire: India-backed strategic port hit in US strikes on Iran | Video

The United States military has launched fresh airstrikes targeting Iran’s southeastern coastline, including areas around the strategic port city of Chabahar, raising concerns in India over one of its key overseas infrastructure projects.

India has invested heavily in Chabahar Port and operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal as part of its efforts to bypass Pakistan and establish direct trade links with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The overnight operation by the US Central Command (Centcom) targeted around 90 Iranian military facilities and maritime assets, according to US officials. The strikes came after Washington accused Tehran of carrying out attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively ending the fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

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Stay with our live coverage for the latest developments as the US carries out strikes on Iran

What was hit in Chabahar?

The strikes primarily targeted Iranian military installations in locations including Bushehr, Bandar Abbas and Konarak. However, the attack on Chabahar marked the first time US forces struck Iran’s eastern Indian Ocean coastline.

Local authorities and Iranian state media reported damage to key port infrastructure, including the maritime traffic control tower and two marine piers.

The strikes also disrupted electricity supplies across parts of Chabahar, affecting thousands of residents. Local officials said restoration work had begun, with two of the three damaged power lines temporarily repaired.

US defence officials said the strikes were aimed at assets linked to Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and were designed to avoid civilian infrastructure and major energy facilities. Officials in Chabahar confirmed that facilities near the port area were among those hit.

Why Chabahar matters to India

The attack has placed India’s regional connectivity plans under renewed pressure.

Chabahar Port is central to India’s strategy of developing an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia without relying on Pakistan. The port serves as a crucial link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), connecting India with markets across Eurasia.

In May 2024, India signed a 10-year agreement to manage the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar, marking a major step in expanding its maritime and trade footprint.

The escalation could disrupt commercial operations at the port and complicate India’s plans for a stable transit corridor in the region.

Trump declares ceasefire over as Iran tensions escalate

The strikes followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the temporary truce with Iran had collapsed.

Trump said the attacks were carried out in response to Iranian strikes on ships and warned that any further attacks would trigger a stronger US response.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) Secretary General Mark Rutte backed the US operation, calling it necessary after repeated threats to maritime security. Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf condemned the strikes and warned that the Strait of Hormuz would only reopen under Iranian conditions.