Explosions heard on Islands in, around Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

Iranian media reported explosions on Friday on islands located in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. An explosion was heard near Mesen, a village on Qeshm Island, with the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency claiming two U.S. missiles were responsible. Authorities are reportedly investigating the damage.

Residents also reported explosions south of the Larak and Hengam Islands, areas close to the Strait of Hormuz, according to a New York Times report. Additionally, Iranian state media outlet IRIB claimed an American Tomahawk missile was intercepted and destroyed over Kahnuj, a city in central Iran.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not yet responded to these assertions. Earlier in July, explosions were reported near Qeshm following U.S. strikes aimed at degrading Iran's capacity to attack commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. These recent reports of explosions and missile claims heighten tensions in the strategically vital waterway.