Reports say fresh US airstrikes damaged Iran’s strategically important Chabahar Port, raising concerns over regional trade
July 17, 2026: Iran’s Chabahar Port, a strategically important maritime hub on the Gulf of Oman, was reportedly damaged during a fresh wave of US airstrikes as Washington’s military campaign against Tehran entered its sixth consecutive night. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth shared an image showing a tower-like structure collapsing after being struck. While Hegseth did not identify the location, the Associated Press reported that the image was from Chabahar Port. Iranian state media confirmed renewed attacks on the port but did not officially verify reports that a surveillance tower had collapsed.
Located in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, Chabahar serves as one of the country’s key maritime gateways outside the Strait of Hormuz. The port holds significant strategic value for India, which has invested heavily in its development to improve trade connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. Any damage to the port could affect regional trade, commercial shipping, and broader connectivity initiatives if hostilities continue.
The reported strike came as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had targeted Iranian command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone infrastructure, and coastal surveillance facilities using precision-guided weapons. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB also reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Qeshm Island, with local authorities saying at least seven people were injured in one of the attacks. The full extent of the damage remains independently unverified as the conflict continues to evolve.