Explosions hit Iran’s Qeshm Island as US media report US strikes in Hormuz
Several explosions have been reported on Iran's Qeshm Island and in Bandar Lengeh as US media confirm the US military carried out defensive strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The blasts came in rapid succession late on Monday, according to Iran's state-owned IRNA news agency. Witnesses told the agency they saw two planes flying in the sky over the island, which is located off Iran's southern coast near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Multiple locations affected
The semi-official Fars news agency confirmed that explosions were also heard in the port city of Bandar Lengeh, coming from the direction of the sea. These reports come amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly around the vital waterway through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass.
US confirms defensive strikes
The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, reported that the US military had carried out the strikes. Some officials told the Journal the strikes were defensive, aimed at restricting Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US had deliberately kept the campaign quiet to avoid signalling a return to major combat operations.
Regional tensions escalate
The Associated Press news agency also cited a US official as confirming that the US had conducted defensive strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains fluid as both nations appear to be engaged in a delicate balancing act of military action while attempting to avoid full-scale conflict.
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