Overnight US strikes damage rescue boats, spark explosions across Iran

TEHRAN, Jul 23: US military strikes overnight reportedly damaged two Iranian rescue vessels and triggered explosions at multiple locations across Iran, including near key border crossings and cities, Iranian authorities said on Thursday.

Iran's Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Department said the rescue vessels Naji 15 and Naji 16 were struck and seriously damaged in a US attack in the southern province of Hormozgan along the Strait of Hormuz.

In western Iran, authorities reported two explosions near Eslamabad-e Gharb in Kermanshah province following the US attack. Officials said no casualties were reported. Earlier, local media had reported two powerful blasts in the area.

Iranian state broadcaster IRIB also reported a missile strike near the city of Andimeshk in Khuzestan province. The province's deputy governor said a location in the area had been targeted by US missiles.

Separately, IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News said missiles struck an area near the passenger terminal at the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq. Khuzestan's security and administrative deputy governor said the attack caused no injuries and that pilgrim traffic through the crossing continued without disruption.

The reported strikes come as the United States continues its military campaign against Iranian targets, with operations expanding across several provinces amid heightened regional tensions.