Iranian state media claims explosion heard in various regions of Iran as US CENTCOM begins retaliatory strikes

Explosions were reportedly heard across southern Iran, including in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask, and Qeshm Island, according to Iranian state media IRNA and Press TV. These blasts followed US Central Command (CENTCOM) strikes described by the US as "self-defense operations" against Iranian targets.

The US stated that its forces launched these strikes at the direction of the Commander in Chief as a "proportional response" to what it called "unjustified Iranian aggression." This action came after Iran shot down a US Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

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leave our region if you want to be safe. History of the Persian Gulf has many chapters on dire fates of intruding outsiders.

Iran's armed forces are reportedly continuing counter-operations against "enemy aggressions," with Press TV citing official statements that warned of "heavier responses" if hostilities persist. The reported blasts mark an escalation in tensions between the two nations.

Earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to the United States, advising them to "leave" the Arabian Gulf region for their own safety. He asserted that Iran's armed forces would respond to any attack or threat, adding that "intruding outsiders" have historically faced severe consequences in the Persian Gulf. Araghchi posted on X, "Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the U.S. opted to test our determination. Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered. Leave our region if you want to be safe. History of the Persian Gulf has many chapters on dire fates of intruding outsiders."

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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defence strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief's direction, in response to yesterday's downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.