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Iran suggests blasts are not US attacks as both sides report ships hit
Explosions heard in southern Iran on Saturday evening were not confirmed as US strikes, with Iranian state television suggesting they may have been linked to Iranian military activity. The uncertainty came as Iran and the US reported incidents involving vessels in and near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy and commodity exports.
Iran said two vessels had hit mines and a third had caught fire in the waterway, while the US said its air force had disabled a vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Tasnim reported that two missiles struck Qeshm Island, but neither government commented on that claim or any damage; Washington said it had struck the island on 2 November in what it described as a limited defensive measure.
In short
- Iran did not confirm reports of US strikes after explosions were heard.
- Both sides reported vessels hit in or near the Strait of Hormuz.
- Tasnim reported two missiles on Qeshm Island, without official confirmation.
Explained simply
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman, linking the Gulf to the open ocean. It is a major route for oil, gas and other goods, so disruption there can affect shipping and energy supplies around the world.
Iran and the United States have a long-running rivalry, and both have military forces operating in the region. Reports about explosions or damaged vessels can be difficult to verify quickly, and governments may give different accounts of what happened.
Ships in the area may face hazards including mines, fires and military action. Incidents near the strait matter because they can put crews at risk and raise tensions between countries that rely on or patrol the route.