Explosion-like blasts heard near Iran’s Bandar Abbas, Qeshm

Loud explosion-like noises were heard on Thursday evening near the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas and nearby Qeshm Island, according to multiple Iranian media outlets.

Unclear source amid Hormuz tensions

The semi-official Fars News Agency reported that residents in Bandar Abbas heard several sounds resembling explosions originating from areas around the city. The exact source and location of the blasts remain undetermined. Tasnim news agency also confirmed the sounds, citing local sources who suggested they may be linked to operations by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy. According to those sources, the IRGC was warning vessels over what it described as unauthorized passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though no official confirmation was provided.

Passenger pier previously hit

State broadcaster IRIB said an explosion was heard at the Bahman passenger pier on Qeshm Island—a facility previously targeted in US-Israeli attacks. Mehr news agency reported that the nature and scope of the incident are still under investigation, adding that no official body has yet commented on the cause. A Mehr correspondent in the region suggested the explosions could be linked to clashes in waters off Sirik county.

Heightened naval confrontations

The reports come amid sharply increased tensions in the Strait of Hormuz over recent days, including confrontations between Iranian and US naval forces. Iranian media have previously reported that Iranian forces responded to attempts by US-linked vessels to transit the strategic waterway, while Tehran has accused US forces of targeting fishing boats in the area. Türkiye continues to monitor the situation closely, warning that any escalation in the Gulf could disrupt global energy supplies and regional stability.