The United States carried out a series of airstrikes across Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, hitting at least eight cities within one hour, according to a report by Al Jazeera on Monday. The attacks occurred between 1:35 a.m. and 2:20 a.m. local time. Deputy Governor for Security and Law Enforcement Valiollah Hayati told Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency that assessments of the damage were ongoing. He denied reports of an attack on Ahvaz Airport but confirmed two strikes near its outskirts. Earlier, Hayati said one person was killed and four were injured when a missile hit an agricultural water pumping station in Mahshahr.

The report added that tensions between the United States and Iran have destabilized the Gulf region. Iran recently closed the Strait of Hormuz after accusing several ships of attempting to pass through unauthorized routes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated the strait would remain closed until US intervention in the region ends.

US Central Command confirmed that the strikes were ordered by President Donald Trump, following the IRGC’s warning that any US action would trigger retaliation against new targets in the Middle East.