Iran Suggests Blasts Not US Attacks as Shipping Hit in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian media have suggested that recent explosions in southern Iran may be related to Iranian military activities rather than US strikes. The explosions were heard in several areas, including Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's state television reported that officials had not confirmed any missile strikes on Iranian territory. This development comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, with President Donald Trump hinting at renewing major attacks on Iran after last week's US midterm elections.

Both the US and Iran have reported that shipping has been hit in or near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's state television said that two vessels had hit mines and a third had caught fire. The US military, on the other hand, said its air force had disabled a vessel in the Gulf of Oman beyond the strait. The incident has restricted exports of energy and other commodities vital to the world economy. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil exports.

The conflict between Iran and the US has been escalating since February, when the US and Israel began attacks on Iran. Tehran has sought to gain the upper hand by hitting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to block Gulf energy exports. In response, US forces began blockading movements to and from Iranian ports in April. The US military said on Saturday evening that its air force had fired at the stern of a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, disabling it as it tried to get through the blockade.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy reported that two oil tankers had caught fire after hitting mines while attempting to pass through an unauthorized route in the Strait of Hormuz. A third tanker had also suffered an explosion and caught fire, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. However, Reuters was not able to confirm any of the reported strikes. Monitors from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a bulk carrier and military forces were involved in an incident in the Gulf of Oman.

The conflict in the Middle East has been further complicated by a recent escalation between Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said an administrative building belonging to state oil company Saudi Aramco in Riyadh had been damaged by falling debris after an attempted attack. There were no injuries or fatalities reported. Qatar, which has been mediating in talks to try to end the conflict, denied reports that the US and Iran had failed to reach a deal.

Qatar's prime minister had affirmed that both sides were continuing to work toward an agreement. Iran has submitted a nuclear proposal to Washington through Qatar, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday. The proposal includes sanctions relief, access to frozen assets, and war reparations. However, Washington insists that nuclear issues must feature in initial talks. The US military said it was launching a task force to crack down on the movement of advanced weapons and other sanctioned material to Iran via its land borders and the Caspian Sea.

The task force is part of economic measures to try to pressure Tehran. However, Iran's Revolutionary Guards dismissed the plan as "wordplay", saying it would not work because Tehran had made preparations and communicated closely with its neighbours. The developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East have significant implications for global energy exports and the world economy. The situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight.

Key points

• Iran suggests explosions in southern Iran may be related to military activities, not US strikes.
• Both the US and Iran report that shipping has been hit in or near the Strait of Hormuz.
• The conflict between Iran and the US has significant implications for global energy exports and the world economy.