At least seven explosions were reported across several locations in Iran on the evening of Thursday, July 9, 2026, amid escalating military tensions with the United States. State media confirmed the blasts but provided no details on their cause or casualties.
Explosions Reported in Southern Iran
According to the Mehr News Agency, two explosions occurred near the southern city of Bushehr and the nearby town of Choqadak. Three additional blasts were reported in Konarak and at the port city of Bandar Abbas — both also located in southern Iran.
Attack Confirmed on Military Facility Near Bushehr
Shortly afterward, Iranian authorities confirmed that a military facility near Bushehr — home to Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant — had been struck. Ehsan Jahaniyan, deputy governor of the province, stated: “A military installation near Bushehr was targeted and hit by a missile launched by the U.S.-Zionist enemy.”
In contrast, a U.S. official speaking to AFP denied any new American strikes against Iran in recent hours, calling into question the origin of the reported explosions.
Israeli Officials Signal Continued Campaign
The developments come hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel’s military campaign against Iran “has not ended.” Speaking at a graduation ceremony for the Israeli Air Force at Hatzerim Air Base, Netanyahu said Israel now faces “new challenges” and emphasized that maintaining air superiority remains central to Israel’s national security doctrine.
Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir echoed the message, stating the campaign “has not concluded.” He added: “New plans are already in the works. Major operations lie ahead — be prepared.”
Escalation Following Gulf Attacks and Diplomatic Breakdown
The latest exchanges follow two days of direct military clashes between Iran and the U.S., triggered by Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Washington voided the Islamabad Memorandum of Cooperation — a deal brokered by Pakistan — and launched fresh strikes on Iranian targets.
In response, Tehran carried out a series of attacks on U.S. military infrastructure in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan — targeting facilities during the second night of American operations.
Araghchi Warns of Further Action
Amid renewed tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has begun diplomatic consultations with regional partners — while simultaneously warning Washington of an upcoming “military operation.”