Israel denies involvement in explosions reported in southern Iran

Israel denied any involvement in explosions reported in southern Iran on Thursday evening, according to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth. "Following reports of explosions from an 'unknown source' heard in Iran, Israel denies any connection to the events," the report said.

Explosions in Iran

The denial comes after several explosion-like sounds were heard Thursday evening near the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. The Tasnim news agency also reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm, citing local sources. The state broadcaster IRIB said an explosion was heard at Bahman passenger pier on Qeshm Island.

Iranian missile fire

Meanwhile, Fars News Agency reported that Iranian missile fire targeted "enemy units" in the Strait of Hormuz after a US attack on an Iranian oil tanker, forcing them to retreat. Iran earlier confirmed it had launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on US destroyers near the strait, claiming US vessels sustained "significant damage."

US response

The US Central Command said its forces intercepted Iranian attacks and responded with "self-defense strikes" as US warships transited the strait, adding that no US assets were hit. CENTCOM targeted Iranian missile and drone launch sites, command centers, and intelligence nodes.

Ceasefire context

The incidents come despite a US-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan that took effect on April 8. Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.