The Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, home to the country's most important port terminal and a population of half a million, has been completely isolated as a result of US strikes on Iran's transport infrastructure, Report informs, citing The Telegraph.
According to the newspaper, the US has intensified pressure on Iran over the past week by bombing southern cities in an effort to force Tehran to give up control of the Strait of Hormuz, while American forces are now targeting transport routes linking Iran's main southern ports with the rest of the country.
According to the report, US forces have carried out airstrikes in recent days on bridges and railways in Iran, particularly in Hormozgan province. This has made it possible to cut off access to Bandar Abbas.
The article noted that this amounted to a violation of the Geneva Conventions by the United States, as parties to a conflict must distinguish between military and civilian objects.
Bandar Abbas is located 60 kilometers from the narrowest part of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Al Jazeera, the city's geographical location allows Iran's leadership to bypass US sanctions and export oil.
Iran's main naval base, which is crucial for controlling Hormuz, is also located near the city.
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin believes the administration of US President Donald Trump is increasingly convinced that cutting off the port city is key to opening the vital sea route.