Explosions reported on Iran’s Qeshm Island as US strikes targets in Strait of Hormuz
Photo: Reuters
A series of explosions were heard on Iran’s southern coastal island of Qeshm as the US military reportedly struck several Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, according to media reports.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that several explosions occurred within a short period late Monday night. Witnesses told the agency that they saw two aircraft flying over the island at the time of the explosions.
The semiofficial Fars news agency reported that explosions were also heard in the coastal city of Bandar Lengeh. The sounds reportedly came from the sea.
The US newspaper The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials, that the American military had carried out strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the officials, the “defensive” operation was conducted to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels. One official also said Washington had not publicly announced the operation to avoid sending a signal that a major military campaign had resumed.
The Associated Press (AP) also reported the strikes, citing a US official. The official said Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz had been hit. The move was taken in response to Iranian missile attacks targeting US assets using air defense systems.
Fox News and Axios reported that the strikes followed an incident on Monday in which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired at a US aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz. However, a US official said the development did not indicate the start of a wider military campaign.
Neither Iranian nor US authorities immediately commented on the reports.
Earlier on Monday, the IRGC claimed that it had intercepted two US reconnaissance drones south of Qeshm Island using electronic warfare systems. The force also claimed to have destroyed an MQ-9 drone east of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said an agreement with Iran could be reached soon. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he wrote that Iran wanted an agreement as soon as possible.
Asked by reporters whether he was considering striking Iran after Tuesday’s midterm elections, Trump replied, “No.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran’s demands for establishing peace had been communicated to Washington. He said the decision was now up to the United States.
Under Iran’s proposal, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened within two days if the United States lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports and provides assurances that the conflict will end.
Source: Al Jazeera (Adapted)
