Blasts heard as officials dispute the cause
Iranian state television reported that explosions were heard on Saturday evening in multiple areas of southern Iran, among them Qeshm Island, which sits in the Strait of Hormuz. The broadcaster floated a possible connection to Iranian military operations in the strategic waterway, where commercial shipping has come under repeated attack since fighting between the United States and Iran began in February.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7]
No Iranian official has confirmed that missiles struck the affected areas, according to the state broadcaster. The semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing a source, said the blasts heard on Qeshm Island did not stem from missile strikes. Earlier on Saturday, Tasnim had reported that two missiles hit the island, with no official word on damage.[S1]
Tankers burn after hitting mines, Guards Navy says
Early on Sunday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said two oil tankers were ablaze after striking mines while trying to transit an unauthorized route through the strait. It was not immediately clear whether those incidents were connected to the explosions heard in southern Iran. Iran has targeted vessels it accuses of breaching its passage restrictions as it tries to assert control over the strait and pressure Washington.[S1]
US blockade enforcement and strike expectations
On Saturday night, Iranian state television reported blasts in multiple southern areas, among them Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. State TV floated a possible connection to Iranian military operations in the waterway, which has seen repeated attacks on commercial shipping since the US-Iran war began in February. Iranian officials have not confirmed missile strikes there, and the semi-official Tasnim agency, citing a source, said the Qeshm blasts were not caused by missiles.[S1][S8]
Regional countries had expected that US President Donald Trump, who avoided strikes on Iran in the weeks before Tuesday's midterm elections, might resume attacks once voting ended. Iran has said repeatedly that it would answer fresh attacks by hitting US and Israeli targets in neighboring countries.[S1]
