Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, Sep 10: Multiple explosions were reported in Iran's southern coastal regions and parts of Saudi Arabia on Thursday, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and US President Donald Trump's claim that the war with Iran could end immediately after the upcoming US midterm elections.
Explosions were reported from several locations in Iran's Hormozgan province, including Qeshm Island, Sirik and Minab counties. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported blast sounds along the coastal areas of Sirik and Minab.
The Hormozgan Governorate separately confirmed reports of explosions on Qeshm Island, saying the sounds had been traced to the sea. However, it did not provide details on what caused the blasts.
Iranian state media also reported explosions at Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Air Base. Iranian news agency IRNA, citing Saudi media, reported that at least two powerful explosions were heard in Taif. No immediate information was available on the cause of the blasts, possible damage or casualties.
The reports came as Trump said he believed the conflict with Iran would end "immediately" after the US midterm elections. Speaking to reporters before leaving for a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Trump accused Tehran of attempting to influence American voters in the hope of getting a more accommodating administration in Washington.
Trump said Iran was running out of options and was trying to influence the election. He also indicated that Washington was not in a hurry to resume negotiations, claiming that recent US military operations had significantly weakened Iran.
Trump further suggested that any future diplomatic agreement would need to address issues beyond Iran's nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's allegation that Yemen's Houthis operate as a proxy of Tehran.
Baghaei said Ansarallah was an independent Yemeni group that makes its own decisions and does not take orders from Iran. He accused the United States of contributing to regional instability through its military interventions and hegemonic policies.
Baghaei said genuine peace in Yemen would require an end to external military intervention, as tensions continued to mount amid the latest reports of explosions in Iran and Saudi Arabia.