Tehran: Amid escalating military tensions between Iran and the US, multiple explosions were heard on Qeshm Island and Bandar Lengeh, located in southern Iran. Both areas are located near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Al Jazeera, quoting Iran’s state news agency IRNA, reported that five explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, while several explosions were also reported in Bandar Lengeh. According to IRNA, residents of Qeshm Island also saw two planes flying in the sky.
However, no official information has yet been released regarding the cause of these explosions. Furthermore, there are no immediate reports of casualties.
IRGC claims three US drones shot down near Hormuz
This development comes as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force claimed to have shot down three US drones near the Strait of Hormuz, including its 55th MQ-9 military drone.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV, the IRGC said its electronic warfare systems shot down two US MQM-170 reconnaissance drones south of Qeshm Island, bringing the total number of drones of this type captured to four.
In a separate statement, the IRGC claimed its Aerospace Force destroyed an American MQ-9 drone east of the Strait of Hormuz after tracking it with a newly developed air defense system.
The IRGC stated, “The 55th advanced MQ-9 drone was tracked and shot down in the airspace east of the Strait of Hormuz by the Aerospace Force’s newly developed air defense system, operating within the country’s integrated air defense network.”
Trump said, “Oil prices fell due to hopes of a deal with Iran.”
On the other hand, diplomatic talks are ongoing between Washington and Tehran. Both countries are expressing the possibility of a negotiated solution.
US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that crude oil prices have fallen by about $10 per barrel due to hopes of a possible diplomatic deal with Iran.
Trump wrote on the social media platform X, “Oil prices are falling rapidly and have dropped by about $10 per barrel. This is a record, because people believe there will be no war with Iran. Iran wants a deal as soon as possible. It could happen!”
JD Vance expressed hope for progress in talks, Iran issued a warning
US Vice President JD Vance also expressed a positive outlook on talks with Iran. He stated that the US administration believes some progress has been made in the negotiations.
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that his country is prepared for both diplomatic dialogue and military confrontation. He warned that if military action is taken against Iran again, it will be met with even greater force.
Thus, while hopes for an agreement between the two countries are being expressed, tensions in the region remain high due to military activities and claims against each other.