The United States has struck infrastructure at Iran’s Chabahar port, including a maritime traffic management center and bridges in the southern Hormozgan province, according to reports from Iranian state media.
The attack, confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday, marks a significant escalation in hostilities, extending the scope of military operations to include civilian infrastructure in a region critical for regional trade.
The Iranian Embassy in India condemned the strikes on Saturday, labeling the attack on the Shahid Kalantari Port a "clear war crime." The embassy’s strong reaction underscores the diplomatic sensitivity of the Chabahar project, which serves as a vital gateway for India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
The damage to port infrastructure directly threatens the operational continuity of this strategic corridor.
For market participants, the targeting of Chabahar introduces new variables into the already volatile shipping landscape.
While the immediate impact on global freight rates may be limited compared to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the escalation signals a broadening of conflict zones.