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Explosions were reported across southern Iran as two tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents intensified tensions over Washington's blockade and fears of renewed American strikes.
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near the beach of Bandar Abbas.
Nov 8, 2026 04:36 IST
Explosions were reported in several parts of southern Iran, including Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, on Saturday evening, while two oil tankers caught fire after reportedly hitting mines in the strategic waterway, according to Iranian media and the country's Revolutionary Guards Navy.
The developments came amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington over the US blockade of Iranian shipping and growing concerns about a possible resumption of American military strikes following the US midterm elections.
Iranian state television reported hearing explosions in multiple locations across the country's south but said officials had not confirmed any missile strikes. The semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing a source, said the blasts on Qeshm Island were not linked to missile attacks.
Earlier on Saturday, Tasnim had reported that two missiles struck the island, although it provided no information about possible damage.
Adding to the tensions, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said early on Sunday that two oil tankers had caught fire after hitting mines while attempting to navigate what it described as an "unauthorised route" through the Strait of Hormuz. It was not immediately clear whether the tanker incidents were connected to the explosions reported across southern Iran.
Tehran has repeatedly targeted vessels it accuses of violating its restrictions on passage through the strait as it seeks to assert control over the crucial shipping corridor and put pressure on Washington.
US STRIKES QESHM ISLAND, DISABLES VESSEL BREACHING BLOCKADE
The latest reports of explosions came days after the United States carried out strikes on Qeshm Island. A US official described those attacks as limited and said they did not signal a resumption of major combat operations.
Separately, the US military said on Saturday evening that its forces had disabled a commercial vessel attempting to breach Washington's blockade of Iran.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said one of its aircraft fired at the vessel's stern, disabling the ship after it attempted to violate the blockade.
FEARS OF RENEWED US STRIKES AFTER MIDTERMS
The developments have added to concerns across the region that US President Donald Trump could resume military action against Iran after holding off on fresh strikes in the weeks leading up to Tuesday's midterm elections.
Iran has repeatedly warned that any renewed American attacks would trigger retaliation against US and Israeli targets in neighbouring countries, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
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With inputs from Reuters
