The United States carried out military strikes near Iran’s Qeshm Port and Bandar Abbas on Thursday, according to reports citing a senior US official. The operation came during rising tensions in the Gulf region and renewed concerns over the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
US officials said the strikes did not mean the war had restarted. They also insisted the April 7 ceasefire remained in place despite the latest military action.
The strikes happened while the United States was waiting for Iran’s response to a proposed agreement aimed at reducing tensions. However, key disputes, including Iran’s nuclear programme, still remain unresolved.
Iranian media outlets reported several explosions near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Port late Thursday night. Residents in nearby areas said they heard loud blasts and saw increased military activity around the coastal region.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that parts of the commercial area at Bahman pier were damaged during what it described as an exchange of fire between Iranian forces and “enemy forces.” Tasnim news agency also confirmed explosions in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island.
Some local reports suggested the incident could be linked to operations by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. Officials reportedly warned ships over unauthorized movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB later reported another explosion at Bahman passenger pier on Qeshm Island. Iranian media said the location had also been targeted during previous conflicts in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran claimed its missile forces targeted enemy naval units in the Strait of Hormuz after an alleged US attack on an Iranian oil tanker. Iranian sources said the enemy vessels were forced to retreat from the area.
US Central Command later confirmed that American forces carried out what it called “self-defense strikes.” CENTCOM stated that US warships were moving through the Strait of Hormuz toward the Gulf of Oman when Iranian attacks took place.
According to CENTCOM, American forces targeted military facilities responsible for missile and drone launches. The targets reportedly included command centers, surveillance systems, and intelligence sites near Qeshm Port and surrounding coastal areas.
Fox News also reported that the US military struck Bandar Kargan naval checkpoint in Minab during the operation.
Several unofficial reports claimed drones were intercepted over Bandar Abbas, though these reports could not be independently verified. Israeli sources denied any involvement in the strikes inside Iran.
Reports of explosion sounds also emerged from Abu Dhabi and western Tehran later that night, increasing fears of wider regional escalation.
Despite the renewed clashes, diplomatic efforts are still continuing. The ceasefire between the US and Iran was reached after mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April. However, tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping routes are still under pressure.
In other news read more about: US-Iran Fighting Resumes as Trump Insists Ceasefire Still Holds
Regional countries, including Türkiye, are closely monitoring the situation. Officials warned that further escalation could affect global oil supplies and regional stability.
