Multiple explosions heard on Iran's Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, IRNA reports

Multiple explosions were reported on Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, according to the state-run IRNA news agency, although their cause remains unknown. Multiple explosions were reported on Iran's Qeshm Island. (AFP)IRNA news agency reported that five explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, with additional blasts also reported in the nearby port city of Bandar Lengeh.

The agency further said that residents on the island had noticed two aircraft flying overhead. Authorities have yet to provide an official explanation for the reported explosions, and no information about possible casualties has emerged so far.

The reports surfaced amid heightened tensions following claims by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force that it had shot down three US drones near the Strait of Hormuz, including what it described as the 55th MQ-9 military drone.

According to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, the IRGC also claimed that two US MQM-170 reconnaissance drones were intercepted south of Qeshm Island using electronic warfare technology. The alleged interceptions brought the total number of captured drones of this model to four, the broadcaster reported.

In a separate announcement, the IRGC Aerospace Force said it had also intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone east of the Strait of Hormuz. The latest development came hours after US President Donald Trump indicated that a possible agreement with Iran could be within reach.

Taking to Truth Social a day before the crucial US midterm elections, Trump expressed optimism about the prospects of reaching an agreement, writing that a deal with Tehran "could happen." Also read | Tucker Carlson warns Trump's 'nuclear strike' in Iran's Pickax Mountain will make World War III 'inevitable' He further claimed that "Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible." "The possibility of implementing this plan in two days is another indication of Iran's good-faith approach," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters during a briefing.

Also read | US midterm elections: How the outcome could impact Wall Street, AI stocks and Treasury yields Iran had previously presented a seven-day proposal in September, offering to restore access to the strait in exchange for several concessions from the United States.

These included ending hostilities across all fronts, releasing frozen Iranian assets, removing oil-related sanctions and lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports. Ojas Jaiswal is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, currently working with the US Desk, where he covers a wide spectrum of American sports and global news developments.

From high-intensity NFL moments on the field to the latest off-court NBA storylines, he specializes in delivering engaging, audience-driven stories that blend factual accuracy with compelling narratives. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Bennett University, Ojas brings over two years of experience in digital journalism.

Before joining Hindustan Times, he worked with EssentiallySports, a leading digital sports media platform catering to American sports audiences, where he contributed across multiple editorial and engagement-focused roles.

He also interned with Times Network at the Sports Desk, producing articles and video content across diverse sports, ranging from Formula 1 to football. Known for his commitment to factual and accurate reporting, Ojas was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Editing during his college years.

Beyond sports journalism, he closely follows international affairs and global developments, while also exploring documentaries from different cultures and regions around the world. A lifelong football enthusiast, Ojas has admired Lionel Messi since childhood and continues to draw inspiration from the football icon’s journey and legacy.Read More