TEHRAN : A series of explosions struck residential buildings in southern Iran on Saturday, killing at least six people and injuring nearly two dozen others, according to Iranian state media and local emergency officials. Authorities attributed the incidents to gas leaks, while regional tensions and a visible U.S. naval buildup prompted public speculation and heightened security measures.
Incidents in Bandar Abbas
The first explosion occurred in Bandar Abbas, a major port city located on the Strait of Hormuz. State television reported that the blast damaged an eight-story apartment building on Moallem Boulevard, causing the collapse of two floors and shattering windows in nearby shops and vehicles.
Emergency responders said a young girl was killed at the scene and at least 14 people were taken to hospitals with injuries including fractures and smoke inhalation.
Municipal officials said the building’s gas infrastructure was under inspection and residents from adjacent structures were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. Power and water services were restored later in the day.
Second Explosion in Ahvaz
Several hours later, a second explosion was reported in Ahvaz, the capital of oil-producing Khuzestan province near the Iraqi border. Local fire officials said a residential complex in the Kianshahr neighborhood was severely damaged, resulting in at least five fatalities.
Rescue teams continued searching through the debris into the evening, while security forces cordoned off surrounding streets. Provincial officials said preliminary assessments also pointed to a gas leak and confirmed that a formal investigation had been launched to determine whether maintenance failures or illegal gas connections were involved.
Official Responses and Denials
The timing of the incidents coincided with the movement of U.S. naval forces into the region, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to waters near the Persian Gulf, ordered earlier this week by U.S. President Donald Trump. Iranian officials did not link the explosions to military activity.
Israeli officials, speaking to Ynet and Reuters, denied any Israeli involvement. Separately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy rejected reports circulating online that a drone attack had struck its headquarters in Hormozgan province or that its commander, Alireza Tangsiri, had been harmed. In a statement carried by Sepah News, the IRGC described the claims as false and said operations were continuing normally.
Information Controls and Public Reaction
Following the explosions, unverified reports of additional blasts in Tehran, Qom, Tabriz, and Karaj spread on social media. Residents in parts of the capital reported an increased security presence and intermittent disruptions to mobile networks.
State broadcasters later said no incidents had occurred outside Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz, urging the public to rely on official information sources.
Interior Ministry officials said emergency hotlines were reinforced and announced expanded nationwide safety inspections of residential gas systems.
Broader Context
Bandar Abbas lies along the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which about one-fifth of global oil shipments transit, while Ahvaz sits at the center of Iran’s onshore oil production. Officials emphasized that no industrial facilities or energy infrastructure were affected in either incident.
As investigations continue, authorities said forensic and technical findings would be released once reviews are completed. Government statements have focused on infrastructure safety and public reassurance amid elevated regional tensions and a continuing diplomatic stalemate.
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