Iran's Ministry of Energy has instructed citizens to shut off air conditioners during peak hours to help ensure a stable electricity supply, particularly in southern provinces experiencing extreme heat and damage to power facilities. The ministry's statement, issued Friday, did not specify the extent of the damage to power plants, transmission lines, or other equipment.
Temperatures in Tehran were forecast to reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, with highs of 102 expected on Saturday and Sunday. In the port city of Bandar Abbas, a recent focus of U.S. airstrikes, temperatures were predicted to be in the high-90s, potentially reaching 105 on Sunday. Overnight strikes on Friday targeted road and rail bridges in the Bandar Abbas region, aiming to disrupt transportation routes.
US strikes have also impacted Iran's Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman, a critical trade route for Afghanistan. According to the state-run IRNA news agency, a tower at the port collapsed following an attack. Chabahar has been a recurring target of U.S. airstrikes. The current series of U.S. airstrikes marks the sixth consecutive day. Iran's Health Ministry reports that these strikes have resulted in at least 38 deaths and over 400 injuries.
In retaliation, Iran has targeted U.S. partners in the region. Kuwait reported that Iran attacked a power and water desalination plant, causing significant damage. Approximately 90% of Kuwait's drinking water relies on desalination, making such disruptions a threat to the water supply. Kuwaiti authorities stated the fire has been extinguished and they are assessing the damage.
In Qatar, residents were twice warned to take shelter as air defenses intercepted missiles. Doha's Interior Ministry confirmed that falling debris from the intercepted missiles wounded a child. Jordan's military reported intercepting three missiles launched by Iran on Friday morning. Explosions were also heard in Irbil and Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq's Kurdish region, where air defenses engaged incoming fire. An official, speaking anonymously, stated that the attack, which appeared to target the Iranian Kurdish dissident group Komala, killed at least nine people and wounded others. While Iran has previously targeted Komala, it has not immediately claimed responsibility for this attack.
Additionally, a tanker traveling through the Strait of Hormuz sustained minor damage after coming under attack on Friday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that the crew of the ship was unharmed.