Reports from multiple Iranian state-affiliated outlets claim a fresh wave of explosions across southern Iran, including Minab, Qeshm, and Sirik, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. IRIB and Tasnim describe multiple blasts and widespread shock in the region, with some reports mentioning six explosions in Qeshm alone. The situation comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, following claims of a downed U.S. Apache helicopter in the region. CENTCOM confirmed that military operations began at 5 p.m. Eastern, calling the action a “proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.”