Explosions Reported Across Southern Iran Amid Escalating Hormuz Tensions

TEHRAN, July 11: Multiple explosions were reported across southern Iran on Saturday as tensions intensified following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and reports of attacks on commercial shipping.

Iran's state broadcaster IRIB said three explosions were heard in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, while two more blasts were reported in Sirik. Separately, Press TV reported explosions in Bushehr and Asaluyeh, although no details were provided on the cause of the blasts or the extent of any damage.

The reports came hours after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, accusing foreign powers of interfering with shipping routes through the strategic waterway.

The IRGC also claimed that one vessel was fired upon with a warning shot after allegedly ignoring orders to alter its course, warning that any further military action by the United States or its allies would be met with "severe" retaliation.

Meanwhile, Axios, citing a U.S. official, reported that an IRGC missile struck a commercial cargo ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, causing heavy damage to the vessel.

The cause of the explosions reported across southern Iran has not been officially confirmed, and it remains unclear whether they are linked to the ongoing military escalation in the region.