Explosions were heard late on Monday in Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas and nearby coastal areas, Iranian media reported. The cause remains unclear, while US Central Command said American forces conducted defensive strikes in southern Iran.
Iranian media reported that several explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, a major port city overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Similar sounds were also reported near Sirik and Jask, coastal areas located close to the strategic waterway.
Iran’s official news agency IRNA said explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas for reasons that were not immediately clear.
Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that the situation in Bandar Abbas was under control and that there was no cause for concern. Mehr said the explosions were heard east of the city, but official Iranian sources had not yet issued a formal comment.
Tasnim News Agency reported that three explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, while Fars News Agency said similar sounds were heard near Sirik and Jask.
Conflicting reports emerge over possible targets
Conflicting reports surfaced after the blasts. Iranian outlet Tabnak claimed that the runway at Bandar Abbas airport had been hit by a missile, though there was no immediate official confirmation.
Fars said local residents reported hearing several explosions, but the exact location and source of the blasts were not immediately known.
US calls strikes defensive action
US Central Command said American forces carried out defensive attacks in southern Iran during the last 24 hours. CENTCOM said the strikes targeted Iranian missile launch sites and Iranian boats that were allegedly attempting to lay mines.
The US said the action was taken to protect its forces in the region while showing “restraint” during the ceasefire.
US officials said no American personnel were injured.
CENTCOM did not say that US forces had directly come under attack, but described the strikes as preventive action against threats posed by Iranian forces.
Reports of IRGC naval clash
Al Jazeera cited an Iranian source as saying heavy gunfire near Bandar Abbas began after the IRGC targeted a vessel at sea. The source claimed US fighter jets then struck IRGC naval boats in the Gulf, and that several IRGC Navy personnel were killed.
“The situation is still unfolding,” the source said.
The reported explosions and US strikes come amid continuing skirmishes following the start of a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump previously said he did not consider similar incidents to be a breach of the ceasefire.
Washington has given limited details about the latest operation, but Trump is reportedly keen to move ahead with negotiations and solidify a peace deal.
.jpg)
