MEA says Chabahar Port terminal 'did not suffer any damage' amid reports of US strikes

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said the Chabahar Port terminal in Iran has not suffered any damage, clarifying reports that suggested the strategic facility may have been affected during recent US strikes.

Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken note of the reports but confirmed that the operational terminal remained intact.

"On your question about the reported attack, yes, we have seen those reports. However, we can confirm that the terminal itself did not suffer any damage," Jaiswal said.

Reports claimed surveillance tower was hit

The clarification follows reports that US airstrikes on Friday appeared to have brought down a surveillance tower at Iran's Chabahar Port on the Gulf of Oman.

More from World

Iranian state media acknowledged that the port had come under a third round of US strikes, but did not immediately confirm reports that the surveillance tower had collapsed.

According to Iranian authorities, the tower is used to monitor commercial shipping entering the port. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also maintains a presence at ports across the country.

India continues talks on Chabahar project

Jaiswal also said India remains engaged with relevant stakeholders over the future of the Chabahar Port project after the expiry of the US sanctions waiver that had allowed India's involvement.

"Regarding Chabahar, if you have been following the issue, there was a waiver granted by the American side, which expired some time ago. Since then, we have been in discussions with the relevant stakeholders on how to take this matter forward," he said.

Strategic importance for India

Located in southeastern Iran, Chabahar Port is strategically important for India as it provides direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan.

Despite the reported strikes near the port, the MEA reiterated that the operational terminal remains unaffected, while discussions continue on the future of India's role in the project following the lapse of the US sanctions waiver.