Nournews: Minutes after reports emerged of multiple explosions near Bandar Abbas, local sources also reported similar sounds on Qeshm Island and in the vicinity of Sirik, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty across southern Iran and the surrounding waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
Initial reports indicate that the exact source of the explosions has not yet been officially identified, and none of the responsible authorities have provided a definitive explanation regarding the nature of the incident. However, some unofficial sources claim that part of the explosions were linked to operations conducted by the IRGC Navy to warn certain vessels over unauthorized transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, additional reports pointed to explosions near the Bahman passenger pier on Qeshm Island as well as in the waters near Sirik County. It has been alleged that during clashes involving hostile forces and Iran’s armed forces, part of the Bahman pier was targeted, further fueling speculation about possible military confrontations or naval movements in the area. No official confirmation of these claims has yet been released.
These developments come amid growing concerns over the possible resumption of confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Over the past few hours, several American media outlets had reported the possible revival of an operation referred to as the “ Project Freedom” by Washington. However, a U.S. official, speaking to Al Jazeera Media Network, dismissed the reports as “false” and denied any restart of the operation.
Claims of UAE Involvement in the Qeshm Bahman Pier Explosion; Israel Denies Responsibility
The explosion at the Bahman pier in Qeshm triggered widespread reactions across regional media.
A source linked to the Israeli regime told i24NEWS that Israel had “no connection” to the incidents in Iran tonight.
In contrast, other sources, including an Israeli source, claimed that Emirati fighter jets had bombed the pier.
Investigations into the dimensions of the incident and verification of the competing claims are still ongoing.
Signs Pointing to a Hostile Emirati Action at Bahman Pier
Some sources, including an Israeli source, alleged that Emirati warplanes carried out the bombardment of the Bahman pier in Qeshm.
Other reports claimed that the sounds heard in Bandar Abbas were related to air defense systems intercepting two drones.
Some sources also accused the United Arab Emirates government, described as acting as a proxy for the Israeli regime, of carrying out hostile actions at Bahman pier.
So far, none of these claims have been officially confirmed.
According to these reports, if the allegations are confirmed, the UAE would “pay the price” for its hostile actions.
Two Hostile Drones Reportedly Destroyed in Bandar Abbas
Some sources stated that the two drones engaged by Bandar Abbas air defenses had been destroyed.
This report has not yet been officially confirmed.
According to these accounts, the explosions heard in the port city were linked to air defense activity and were separate from the explosion near Bahman pier in Qeshm.
Denial of an Explosion in Sirik
Reports now indicate that the sounds heard in Sirik were related to warnings issued by the IRGC Navy to certain vessels over unauthorized navigation.
No explosions or direct confrontations have reportedly occurred in Sirik, and the city remains fully secure.
According to informed sources, the sounds were connected to IRGC Navy warning operations against ships accused of illegal passage.
Sirik lies near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Counterattack in the Strait of Hormuz
A military source stated that following what was described as aggression by the U.S. military against an Iranian oil tanker, hostile enemy units operating in the Strait of Hormuz came under Iranian missile fire and were forced to retreat after sustaining damage.
Sources speaking to Tasnim News Agency claimed that three American destroyers near the Strait of Hormuz were targeted by the Iranian Navy.
According to these reports, the U.S. destroyers are retreating toward the Gulf of Oman.
The attacks on the hostile American vessels were reportedly carried out using missiles and suicide drones.
American-Israeli Attack on Minab County
The governor of Minab announced that one of the county’s maritime border guard bases had come under attack.
Mohammad Radmehr, deputy governor and special governor of Minab, stated that at 00:10 local time, “the criminal Zionist regime and the criminal United States attacked one of the maritime bases in Minab County.”
He added that fortunately there were no injuries or fatalities.
Radmehr urged residents not to pay attention to rumors and to follow developments through official news agencies.
Iranian Naval Operations Continue
An informed military source said Iranian naval attacks against U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Oman are continuing.
According to reports published by Tasnim, the night’s events began after what was described as interference by the “terrorist U.S. military” against an Iranian oil tanker, after which American military vessels were targeted by Iranian naval missile and drone attacks.
The source emphasized that Iran’s naval strikes were launched in response to the American action against the tanker.
The source further claimed that several American destroyers sustained damage during the Iranian attacks.
CENTCOM Confirms Attacks
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed Thursday evening local time that U.S. forces intercepted and neutralized Iranian missile, drone, and speedboat attacks while American naval destroyers were transiting the Strait of Hormuz toward the Gulf of Oman on May 7.
CENTCOM alleged that Iranian forces launched several missiles, drones, and small boats toward the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason while the ships were moving through international waters, but stated that no U.S. assets were hit.
CENTCOM further claimed that it destroyed the threats and targeted Iranian military facilities allegedly responsible for the attacks, including missile and drone launch sites, command-and-control centers, and intelligence and surveillance facilities.
IRGC Navy Announces Combined Operation Following Enemy Aggression
The IRGC Navy command announced that it had carried out a combined military operation following what it described as enemy aggression earlier in the day.
In a statement, the IRGC Navy said:
“Following the violation of the ceasefire and aggression by the terrorist U.S. military against an Iranian oil tanker near Jask port, and the approach of American destroyers toward the Strait of Hormuz, a large-scale and precise combined operation was launched using ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and explosive-laden drones against enemy destroyers.”
The statement added that intelligence monitoring indicated “significant damage” to U.S. forces and claimed that three hostile vessels rapidly fled the Strait of Hormuz area.
Trump Reacts to the Strait of Hormuz Confrontation
Donald Trump claimed that Washington’s attacks on Iran tonight were merely “a very light strike.”
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump further claimed:
“Three world-class American destroyers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz under fire. No damage was sustained by these destroyers, but severe damage was inflicted on the Iranian attackers.”
He also alleged that Iranian small boats were “completely destroyed” and that Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted.
Trump repeated previous threats and called on Iran to “sign the agreement quickly,” warning of a “much stronger and harsher” response in the future.
Air Defense Activated in Western Tehran
Following the developments in southern Iran, air defense systems in western Tehran were also activated.
Minutes after loud explosions were heard, residents reported continuous anti-aircraft fire in western Tehran for several minutes.
Nournews