Bandar Abbas: Multiple explosions were heard in and around the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, according to reports carried by IRNA and cited by Al Jazeera.
The cause of the blasts was not immediately clear.
Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency said authorities had the situation under control and urged the public not to panic.
Another semi-official outlet, Tasnim News Agency, said at least three explosions were heard in the area. Meanwhile, Fars News Agency reported similar sounds near the strategically important coastal areas of Sirik and Jask, located close to key Gulf shipping routes.
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem, sources claimed intense gunfire erupted after Iranian military forces allegedly targeted a vessel at sea near Bandar Abbas.
The correspondent further cited sources as saying that U.S. fighter aircraft struck boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Gulf region. The reports alleged that several IRGC naval personnel were killed in the incident, raising concerns of escalating regional tensions.
No official confirmation has yet been issued by Iranian or U.S. authorities regarding the reported military confrontation.
