Explosions were heard in Iran’s southern ports on Thursday as Iranian state-affiliated media reported clashes between Iranian forces and the United States Navy near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian outlets said blasts were reported on Qeshm Island and in Bandar Abbas, while air defence systems were activated in multiple areas following what officials described as hostile activity.
The United States Central Command declined to comment on the reported events, and the Pentagon did not immediately respond.
The developments came amid reports that Washington and Tehran were engaged in advanced talks aimed at ending the ongoing war.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian forces confronted the US Navy after the US military allegedly attempted to attack an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, three US Navy destroyers came under Iranian fire before retreating towards the Gulf of Oman.
Iran’s IRIB broadcaster, citing a military official, said missiles were launched at “enemy units” following what it described as a US attack on the tanker.
The official said the targeted units sustained damage and withdrew from the area.
Iranian state media also reported that air defences intercepted several drones over Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas.
Mizan news agency said the explosions heard in Qeshm were linked to the interception of small drones, while Tasnim reported that two drones were downed in Bandar Abbas.
The incidents followed heightened tensions earlier this week after President Donald Trump ordered an operation aimed at breaking Iran’s blockade on Hormuz.
On Monday, the US military said it had shot down seven small Iranian drones, while Iran renewed drone and missile attacks against the United Arab Emirates.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was “wisely” directing matters of national interest and approving all major decisions.
State broadcaster IRIB also reported that Iran’s president held a nearly two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Khamenei earlier on Thursday.