Heavy gunfire reported near Bandar Abbas, Iran

Heavy gunfire reported near Bandar Abbas after clash between IRGC, US forces

Heavy gunfire was reported near Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas today, according to the reports.

Several explosions were heard in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on Tuesday, according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA. Reports say that the cause of the blasts remains unclear.

The semi-official Mehr news agency reported that the situation was under control and stated that there was no reason for public concern, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, Tasnim news agency said around three explosions were heard in the area. Another semi-official outlet, Fars news agency, reported that similar sounds were also heard near Sirik and Jask, close to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

No official information has yet been released regarding the source of the explosions or any possible damage or casualties.

According to a tweet by Journalist Ali Hashem, an Iranian source told him that the heavy gunfire heard near Bandar Abbas erupted after the IRGC targeted a vessel at sea, followed by US fighter jets striking IRGC naval boats in the Gulf.

In his post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Ali Hashem further added, “According to the source, several IRGC Navy personnel were killed in the attack.”

“‘The situation is still unfolding,’ the source said,” he added further.

Global oil prices fall amid hopes of Iran-US agreement

Recently, the global crude oil prices recorded a sharp decline on Monday as hopes grew over a possible agreement between Iran and the United States to ease tensions in the Middle East.

According to a news agency, oil prices in Asian markets dropped by more than five per cent during early trading hours.

Brent Crude fell by 5.1 per cent to $98.22 per barrel. In addition to this the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 5.2 per cent to $91.57 per barrel.

The fall in prices came as there have been increasing expectations that Washington and Tehran could reach an agreement. The agreement is expected to lessen the regional tensions and avoid further conflict.

However, US President Donald Trump appeared to downplay the chances of an immediate breakthrough, reports said.

In a statement shared on social media on Sunday, Trump said he had instructed his representatives not to rush into finalising any agreement.

Earlier, Trump had stated that the United States would make a final decision regarding Iran by Sunday.