WANA (Jul 08) – A series of explosions has been reported across Iran’s southern province of Hormozgan, with local reports indicating blasts near western Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm Island, and Hormuz Island. At the same time, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had carried out strikes on targets in southern Iran.

 

According to local sources, the first explosions were heard near Sirik and southern Qeshm Island. Residents later reported additional powerful blasts in both the eastern and western parts of Bandar Abbas. Local reports estimate that around 10 explosions occurred near Tahrouiyeh in Sirik, four near the Masan area of Qeshm, along with several others around Bandar Abbas.

 

In a statement, CENTCOM said the strikes were conducted in response to what it described as Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have not yet issued an official response to this claim.

 

Meanwhile, reports indicate that coastal air defense systems in Hormozgan were activated to engage what officials described as hostile aerial targets. A military source also stated that telecommunications towers in eastern Hormozgan, near Sirik, were struck again.

 

Local officials said part of the attack hit a fishing pier in Bandar Abbas, setting several fishing and passenger boats on fire. In Sirik, a commercial dhow was also damaged by fire. Several people were reportedly injured by shrapnel at the town’s commercial port and transferred to a hospital in Minab for treatment.

 

The head of Shahid Bahonar Port and Eastern Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Organization said the large plume of black smoke seen in Bandar Abbas resulted from projectiles hitting the fishing harbor and igniting several fishing boats. He also dismissed reports that Shahid Haqqani Port had been bombed, saying the port remained undamaged and that the strikes were limited to the area behind the fish market and the fishing pier.

 

Hormozgan Governorate announced that, as of the time of its statement, it had received no reports of civilian casualties from the attacks. However, local sources later reported two additional explosions near the village of Ziarat in Sirik County, describing the affected area as non-military.

 

The full scope of the strikes, the extent of the damage, and additional details about the targeted locations remain under investigation, with further official updates expected.