Three consecutive explosions have been reported in Iran's port city of Bandar Abbas, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Iranian media has further reported that sounds heard in Bandar Abbas, surrounding coastal areas, and Gulf islands are linked to clashes in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Hormozgan Governorate. The reports point to an escalating and active security situation across multiple locations within the country.

Ahvaz Locations Reported Targeted

In a separate development, Mehr News Agency reported that several locations in Iran's Ahvaz were targeted by U.S. attacks. The agency did not provide further specifics regarding the number of sites affected, the nature of the strikes, or any reported casualties.

Summary of Reported Incidents

The following table outlines the key details as reported by the respective news agencies:

Both reports point to significant security developments across multiple Iranian cities and the broader Strait of Hormuz region. The situation remains fluid, and the information available is limited to what has been reported by IRNA, Mehr News, and Iran's Hormozgan Governorate at this time.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has formally reinstated the naval blockade against vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, effective 4 p.m. ET. The reinstatement was preceded by additional American strikes against Iran, launched at 3 p.m. ET, aimed at continuing to degrade Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. More than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are currently operating across the Middle East, with CENTCOM stating that American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready. Amid these escalating tensions, Iran's Mehr news agency has reported explosions in the maritime area of eastern Hormozgan and Sirik, with the sounds appearing linked to an exchange of fire in the waters of the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz.

Operational Scope and Enforcement

President Donald Trump clarified the scope of the blockade, stating: "We will have a full blockade, but only on ships coming to and from Iranian ports." He further asserted that "all other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait" and positioned the U.S. as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT." The move received public endorsement from former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who characterized it as the "right move."

The following table summarizes CENTCOM's reported enforcement actions during previous blockade operations:

Explosions Reported in Eastern Hormozgan

Iran's Mehr news agency reported that explosions were heard in the maritime area of eastern Hormozgan and Sirik. The sounds were described as appearing linked to an exchange of fire in the waters of the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz. The development marks a further escalation in the volatile waterway, which has been at the center of intensifying U.S.-Iran military confrontation since the reinstatement of the naval blockade.

Diplomatic Rejection and Energy Stakes

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Trump's plan to charge a 20% fee on cargo passing through the waterway, dismissing the proposal while reasserting Tehran's historic guardianship over the strait. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz averaged 20.90 million barrels per day in the first half of 2025, accounting for approximately 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption. The Treasury Department has also expanded sanctions on Iranian oil networks, aligning financial pressure with the ongoing military blockade. These developments threaten to disrupt a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with potential implications for oil prices and international shipping logistics.