Explosions hit Iran’s Qeshm Island as US media report US strikes in Hormuz

Multiple explosions were reported on Iran's Qeshm Island and in Bandar Lengeh, close to the vital Strait of Hormuz, as military tensions escalated between Tehran and Washington. The explosions, heard by residents and witnessed by witnesses, shook the region. Local reports also indicated the sighting of two aircraft flying over Qeshm Island.

IRNA, Iran's official news agency, confirmed five explosions on Qeshm Island, while two additional blasts were reported in Bandar Lengeh. No immediate details were provided on the cause of the explosions or any casualties.

US officials later confirmed that Washington had conducted a series of limited strikes on Iranian targets on Qeshm Island hours earlier. This disclosure came after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force claimed to have shot down three US drones near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that two US reconnaissance drones of the MQ-170 type were brought down using electronic warfare systems, bringing the total number of captured drones of this type to four.

The IRGC also stated that a newly developed air defense system had tracked and destroyed another US MQ-9 drone east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The series of events unfolded amidst ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Tehran. Both sides have signaled the potential for a negotiated settlement. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism, stating that oil prices had dropped nearly $10 per barrel due to expectations of a diplomatic agreement with Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, warned that Tehran remained prepared for both diplomatic talks and military confrontation, emphasizing that any renewed military action would provoke a robust response.