Tensions in the Gulf region escalated Thursday night after explosions were reported in several areas of southern Iran, including near Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Qeshm Island overlooking the Strait of Hormuz.


Iranian state television confirmed hearing an explosion near the “Bahman” passenger pier on Qeshm Island, while Fars News Agency reported that investigations pointed to the targeting of commercial sections of the pier during what it described as an exchange of fire between Iranian armed forces and an “enemy.”


Local reports said multiple explosions were heard within a short period across southern coastal regions.


The developments came amid conflicting reports regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier Thursday, reports citing American officials claimed the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump was seeking to resume a military initiative aimed at reopening maritime routes through the strait. Another U.S. official later denied those reports, calling them inaccurate.


At the same time, Iranian parliament national security committee member Ali Khazrian sharply escalated rhetoric against the UAE, saying Iran no longer viewed the country as a neighbor and alleging there were “serious suspicions” Emirati aircraft had participated in attacks on Iranian territory.


Iran’s Foreign Ministry later stated that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was personally overseeing developments and confirmed Tehran had decided not to engage in nuclear negotiations “for now.”


Meanwhile, Israeli outlet i24NEWS cited an Israeli source denying any Israeli involvement in the incidents reported in Iran Thursday evening.


No official confirmation has yet identified who was responsible for the explosions and reported attacks in southern Iran, while tensions across the Gulf continue to rise.