Archive · 18 Jul 2026
India confirms Chabahar terminal safe after US strike
The US recently struck a surveillance tower at Chabahar Port in Iran, which is part of a larger conflict between the US and Iran.
India operates a terminal at Chabahar Port and has confirmed that their part of the port was not damaged.
The US says the strike was to stop Iran from attacking ships, while India thinks civilian areas should not be targeted.
There are also issues with US sanctions making it harder for India to work on the port.
The port is very important for India because it helps with trade to places like Afghanistan and Russia.
India confirms the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port was not damaged by the US strike.
The US targeted a surveillance tower at the nearby Shahid Kalantari Port, used by Iran's IRGC.
Chabahar Port is strategically important for India, providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
US sanctions waiver for India's involvement in Chabahar ended in late September 2025.
The conflict between the US and Iran has led to repeated attacks, with recent strikes intensifying in early July.
- Who
- India, US, Iran
- What
- US strike on a surveillance tower at Chabahar Port, India confirms its terminal is safe
- When
- July 16, 2026
- Where
- Chabahar Port, Iran
- Why
- US aims to degrade Iran's ability to plan attacks on shipping and protect freedom of navigation; India emphasizes the importance of civilian infrastructure not being targeted
US Perspective
India's Perspective
Purpose of the Strike
US Perspective
The US aims to degrade Iran's ability to plan attacks on shipping and protect freedom of navigation.
India's Perspective
India emphasizes that civilian infrastructure should not be targeted during armed conflicts.
Impact on Chabahar Port
US Perspective
The US strike targeted a surveillance tower used by the IRGC, not the Indian-operated terminal.
India's Perspective
India confirms that the Shahid Beheshti terminal was not damaged and operations continue.
Sanctions and Waivers
US Perspective
The US has ended its sanctions waiver for India's involvement in Chabahar, citing its 'maximum pressure' policy against Iran.
India's Perspective
India is in discussions with stakeholders to move the project forward despite the lapsed waiver.
- Location
- Chabahar Port, Iran
- Operated by
- India Ports Global Limited (IPGL)
- Strategic Importance
- Direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
- US Strike Date
- July 16, 2026
- US Target
- Surveillance tower at Shahid Kalantari Port
- Casualties in Iran
- At least 38 killed, over 400 injured
- Sanctions Waiver End Date
- Late September 2025
