The United States has carried out a new wave of airstrikes on Iran's southeastern coast, including areas near the strategic port city of Chabahar. The operation has raised fresh concerns in India because Chabahar Port is one of New Delhi's most important overseas infrastructure projects.

India has invested significantly in the port and operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal to create a direct trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan.

US launches large-scale strikes on Iranian targets

The overnight operation, led by the US Central Command (Centcom), targeted around 90 Iranian military facilities and maritime assets, according to US officials.

US strikes Chahbahar port infrastructure. Half of the city is in blackout. 8 Irani soldiers martyred. #Iran hits back The U.S. Fifth Fleet in #Bahrain plus 85 American bases targets across the region. #IranWar‌ #MiddleEastConflict pic.twitter.com/ajeVB8Op4l

— Ronny (@FreePalesten) July 9, 2026

Washington launched the strikes after accusing Iran of attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks effectively ended the fragile ceasefire that had existed between the two countries.

The latest escalation has sharply increased tensions in the region and raised fears of further military action.

Chabahar among key targets

The US strikes mainly focused on Iranian military installations in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas and Konarak. However, the attack on Chabahar marked the first time American forces targeted Iran's eastern coastline along the Indian Ocean.

Iranian state media and local officials reported damage to several important facilities near the port. The strikes hit the maritime traffic control tower and two marine piers, affecting operations in the area.

The attacks also disrupted electricity supplies across parts of Chabahar, leaving thousands of residents without power. Local authorities said repair work started immediately. Officials temporarily restored two of the three damaged power lines.

US defence officials said they targeted assets linked to Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. They added that the operation deliberately avoided civilian infrastructure and major energy facilities. However, officials in Chabahar confirmed that installations close to the port were damaged.

India's strategic project faces uncertainty

The latest strikes have created fresh uncertainty for India's regional connectivity plans. Chabahar Port plays a key role in India's strategy to establish an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia without passing through Pakistan.

The port is also a vital part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which connects India with markets across Eurasia through a network of sea, rail and road routes.

India strengthened its presence at Chabahar in May 2024 by signing a 10-year agreement to manage the Shahid Beheshti terminal. The deal marked a major step in expanding India's maritime reach and boosting regional trade.

The renewed conflict now threatens commercial activity at the port and could delay India's long-term plans to develop a reliable transit corridor through Iran.

Ceasefire collapses as tensions rise

The military operation followed US President Donald Trump's announcement that the temporary ceasefire with Iran had ended.

Trump said the United States launched the strikes in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. He also warned that Washington would respond with even greater force if Iran carried out further attacks.

International reactions emerge

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte supported the US operation. He described the strikes as necessary after repeated threats to international maritime security. Iran strongly condemned the attacks.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised the US action and warned that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen only on Iran's terms. The latest military escalation has intensified uncertainty in the Gulf region. It has also raised concerns over global shipping, regional stability and the future of major infrastructure projects such as India's investment at Chabahar Port.