Explosion rock Strait of Hormuz as US carries out 'self-defence strikes'

Iran’s Mehr news agency reported on Monday, May 25, that ​the situation in Bandar Abbas was under control and there was no ​cause for concern after ​the explosions were heard east of the ‌city.

The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that three explosions were ​heard in ​Bandar ⁠Abbas and Fars news agency reported that similar sounds were ​heard close to Sirik ​and ⁠Jask near the strategic waterway.

It is understood that officials have not yet commented on the noises.

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for almost three months as part of Iran’s retaliation to joint US-Israeli strikes on several of its key sites. The US responded by blocking Iranian ports in the strait.

About 20% of global oil traded passes through the strait. The closure has rocked markets and caused spikes in fuel prices across the global.

Also on Monday, Fox ​News ​reported that US ​forces ‌conducted “self-defense strikes” ​in ​southern ⁠Iran, citing a ‌military ⁠spokesperson.

US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said in a statement: “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.”

The targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boat trying to emplace mines, the captain said.

“Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines.”

“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire.”