Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Aug. 7: Two explosions were heard on Iran's southern Qeshm Island in Hormozgan province on Thursday night during what Iranian authorities described as a confrontation between the country's armed forces and "hostile enemy targets" at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Tasnim, citing informed sources, said the explosions occurred at around 9.40 pm local time and added that details of the Iranian naval forces' operation would be announced in the coming hours.
Hormozgan Deputy Governor for Political, Security and Social Affairs Ahmad Nafisi said no strike or untoward incident had been reported on Qeshm Island or in the provincial capital, Bandar Abbas. He said authorities were investigating the cause of the explosions.
The development came hours after reports that Iran and Oman had reached an understanding on the broad framework of an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. Saudi-based Al Hadath and Al Arabiya television channels, citing senior sources, reported that the proposed agreement is awaiting approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council and could be announced within days.
According to the reports, vessels entering the strategic waterway would sail along a route closer to Iran, while outbound ships would use a route nearer to Oman. No transit or service fees would be levied, and regional parties could participate in demining operations and technical procedures to facilitate navigation.
The reports further said that, following approval of the agreement, Iran and the United States would reactivate provisions under their peace memorandum of understanding concerning the reopening of the strait and ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels. Indirect contacts between Tehran and Washington are continuing through mediators and are said to be in the final stage.
Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz on Feb. 28, restricting the safe passage of vessels linked to Israel and the United States after their joint strikes on Iranian territory.