Tehran/Washington, 10 July (H.S.): Powerful explosions were reported near Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Thursday, further intensifying tensions in the Gulf region amid the ongoing strategic confrontation between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The United States denied any involvement in the latest strikes in southern Iran. The development comes months after the Bushehr facility was reportedly targeted on March 28, following a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation carried out on February 28.

Bushehr is Iran's only operational nuclear power plant and is located near the city of Bushehr on the Persian Gulf coast in southern Iran. During the recent hostilities, missiles and projectiles have reportedly landed in areas surrounding the facility. Construction of the plant began in the 1970s with German assistance and was later completed with Russian cooperation. Its first reactor (Unit 1) generates approximately 1,000 megawatts of electricity for Iran's national grid. The latest explosions have heightened concerns over the potential risk of a radioactive leak.

According to reports by Al Jazeera and Axios, a series of powerful explosions struck strategic locations across southern Iran, triggering international concern. Local media and Iranian officials said areas close to the Bushehr nuclear facility's security perimeter, the Choghadak military base, and nearby coastal locations were among those targeted. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and Iran has not officially blamed any country.

A U.S. official reiterated that Washington remains committed to pursuing diplomatic engagement with Tehran and confirmed that technical-level discussions with Iran are continuing.

Axios reported that U.S. officials said Washington made efforts on Thursday to de-escalate the situation while technical negotiations aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement remain underway. Mediators also held telephone discussions with senior Iranian and U.S. officials on Wednesday. Intensive diplomatic efforts are currently focused on reducing tensions and finalising a date for the next round of technical talks between the two sides.

According to Al Jazeera, former U.S. Marine Corps officer Dan Grazier said there is a strong possibility that Israel could have been behind the attack. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump briefed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on U.S. actions in the Gulf region during a conversation on Thursday, local time. In a post on X, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that the two leaders agreed to maintain close coordination across various areas of mutual interest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar