Multiple explosions reported on Iran's Qeshm Island and Bandar Lengeh
The blasts occurred near the Strait of Hormuz as military tensions continue between Tehran and Washington.
Multiple explosions were heard on Iran's Qeshm Island and in the port city of Bandar Lengeh on Monday, according to reports from The Tribune and Hindustan Times. The blasts took place in southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz. Residents on Qeshm Island reportedly saw two aircraft flying over the area during the incidents.
There is currently no official information regarding the cause of the explosions or any reported casualties. These developments follow claims by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force that it intercepted three US drones near the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC stated it used electronic warfare to bring down two US MQM-170 reconnaissance drones south of Qeshm Island.
The IRGC also claimed its Aerospace Force destroyed a US MQ-9 military drone east of the Strait of Hormuz using a new air defence system. According to Press TV, the interception of the MQM-170 drones brings the total number of captured drones of that model to four.
US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that oil prices had fallen by nearly USD 10 per barrel due to expectations of a diplomatic settlement. US Vice President JD Vance also expressed optimism regarding progress in negotiations. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains prepared for both diplomacy and military confrontation.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters that Iran could potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided Washington meets specific conditions.
