Bandar abbas: Several explosion-like sounds were heard on Thursday evening near the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, Iranian media reported. The semi-official Fars news agency stated that residents in Bandar Abbas heard multiple sounds resembling explosions from areas near the city. However, the exact source and location of the explosions remained unclear.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Fars news agency later reported that parts of the commercial section of the Bahman pier were hit during what was described as an exchange of fire between Iranian armed forces and 'enemy forces.' Tasnim news agency also reported explosions heard in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm, citing local sources. Sources told Tasnim that the sounds may have been linked to operations by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warning vessels over what was described as unauthorized passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though no official confirmation was immediately available.
Tasnim also reported signs of possible 'hostile action' by the United Arab Emirates at the pier, but there was no official confirmation. Iran's state broadcaster IRIB also reported an explosion at the Bahman passenger pier on Qeshm Island, which Iranian media said had been earlier targeted during the war. Separately, IRIB cited an informed military source stating that Iranian missile fire targeted 'enemy units' in the Strait of Hormuz following what was called a US attack on an Iranian oil tanker, forcing the units to retreat.
The Mehr news agency mentioned that the nature and dimensions of the incident remained under investigation, with no official body yet commenting on the explosions. A Mehr correspondent in the region also noted that the explosions appeared to be linked to clashes in waters off Sirik county. The reports come amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, including confrontations involving Iranian and US naval forces.
The US-Iran war remains on hold since Pakistan mediated a ceasefire on April 8, with efforts for a permanent end to the conflict underway. While the strait remains largely blocked, the US has implemented a blockade of Iranian ports and suspended its Project Freedom meant to open the key waterway, giving a chance for diplomacy to succeed.