Accusations of US strikes, Iranian airstrike response and escalating tensions in the Hormuz Strait with conflicting reports of attacks.
The Middle East appears to be entering a new cycle of dangerous instability, as multiple reports of explosions and military operations in the greater Bandar Abbas area and the Keshm Island in Iran are causing intense international concern.According to reports reported by international and local media, the scene includes exchanges of fire, activation of anti-aircraft systems and reports of strikes on critical facilities near the strategic Senate of Hormuz, with US and Tehran making conflicting statements on the identity and origin of the attacks. The volatility of developments and the absence of official confirmation of the totality of the events intensify the climate of uncertainty in a region already considered one of the most sensitive geopolitical points in the world.
A series of explosions were heard late Thursday night near Bandar Abbas of Iran, causing concern among residents of the port located close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks
In addition, it was reported that commercial areas of the Bahman waterfront on Keshm Island were attacked.
Fox News reported that the US struck at these two locations. An official who reported the information told Fox that “this does not mean the resumption of the war” or the end of the cease-fire.
Meanwhile, reports are coming out of western Tehran that air defenses have been activated in Tehran as well, though it is not known why.
In addition, Iranian media are reporting that there have been “sporadic attacks” along Iran’s southern coastline around the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported in Gachin and Bandar Kamir in the Bandar Abbas region, Bahman dock on Keshm Island, and the town of Shirik, “related to the exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz and warning shots by Revolutionary Guards naval forces.”
Exchange of fire between Iranian armed forces
Initially the source or location of the explosions in Bandar Abbas was not known.
But later the Fars news agency reported that the explosions were due to an “exchange of fire between the Iranian armed forces and the enemy” near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media reported that an attack by U.S. armed forces on an Iranian tanker had preceded it, without further details.
For its part, Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, said the explosions in the port and on the island were due to the activation of air defenses targeting “two drones.” The state broadcaster reported that “enemy units in the Strait of Hormuz came under Iranian fire.”
It is possible that the United Arab Emirates, backed by the US, struck the island. Iranian media stress that if this is the case, “they will pay a very heavy price.”
