Tehran, 08 July (H.S.): Powerful explosions were reported across several Iranian cities as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Iraq for Tehran after receiving reports of US military strikes. Iran's top leadership is currently engaged in the funeral ceremonies of the country's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, whose mortal remains are in Najaf, Iraq.

Following the ceremonies in Najaf, a tribute gathering is scheduled to be held in Karbala before Khamenei is laid to rest in Mashhad on Thursday.

According to a post by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB on X and reports by CNN, President Pezeshkian is returning to Tehran after completing his visit to Iraq. The President had travelled to Najaf to participate in the funeral ceremonies of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei's mortal remains arrived in Najaf on Tuesday. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that Pezeshkian departed Najaf early Wednesday morning (local time) after concluding his official visit.

The President's return comes as the nation mourns the death of its former Supreme Leader amid escalating military tensions following US strikes. The United States launched military attacks in response to alleged Iranian assaults on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), in a post on X, confirmed the operation, stating that Iran would face severe consequences for attacking commercial ships operating in international waters.

According to CENTCOM, Iran allegedly targeted three commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the attacks as a clear violation of the ceasefire understanding between the two countries.

According to Al Jazeera, multiple explosions were heard near Sirik and Qeshm in southern Iran. Additional blasts were also reported east and west of Bandar Abbas. Iranian media reported that projectiles, believed to be missiles or rockets, struck commercial and fishing piers at Sirik Port.

Earlier on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department revoked a licence issued to Iran in June that had temporarily authorised the production, sale and delivery of crude oil and related petroleum products until August 21. The move has increased pressure on Tehran while negotiations continue over a broader resolution to the conflict.

Explosions were also reported in the Iranian port cities of Sirik, Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island.

Iran has accused the United States of violating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by revoking the licence. The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the US military strikes and describing Washington's actions as a breach of the agreement.

Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to the Iraqi government and its people for hosting the memorial ceremonies in honour of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He said the events reflected the deep historical, cultural and religious ties between Iran and Iraq and emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar