Iranian news agencies report several explosions heard near the Strait of Hormuz; cause not known

As of 6:24 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026

Several explosions were heard Wednesday in the Kerpan area of Sirik, in Iran's southern Hormozgan province near the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian news agencies Fars and Mehr reported at about 2:25 p.m. ET. Both said the origin and nature of the sounds were not yet known.

Iran's official IRNA news agency reported at 2:43 p.m. ET that the sound of several explosions had been heard from the Kerpan area of Sirik. IRNA said local sources had not yet announced the nature of the explosions.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, Turkey's Anadolu Agency reported, citing IRNA.

What the agencies said

Fars, in a Persian-language post on X at 2:25 p.m. ET, said the explosions had been heard "minutes ago" and that their origin and nature were not yet clear. Mehr carried the same report on its Telegram channel at 2:26 p.m. ET.

Anadolu said the explosions came amid heightened regional tensions and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes.

What is not known

Fars, Mehr and IRNA did not say what caused the explosions, whether anything was hit or whether anyone was hurt. None of the three agencies had reported an Iranian government or military statement on the explosions as of 6:24 p.m. ET.