While Iranian media reported explosions in the coastal city of Sirik, Qeshm Island, and Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, the U.S. Central Command confirmed in the early hours of today (Wednesday) the initiation of a series of strong strikes against Iran.

The U.S. command stated in a post on its account on "X": "The U.S. Central Command has begun launching a series of strong strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial vessels led by innocent civilians in an international waterway."

It added: "The American strikes come in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial ships that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz," clarifying that the aggression displayed by Iran was unjustified, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.

In contrast, Iranian media reported that there were violent explosions in several islands and cities in southern Iran.

The Mehr news agency reported that the sound of explosions was heard in the city of Sirik in the south of the country, while the Fars news agency confirmed this.

The Fars agency explained that the explosions were heard in the city of Sirik and Qeshm Island in southern Iran, noting that their source is unknown.

The Iranian television confirmed the sound of 7 explosions in the vicinity of the Tahrouyi village belonging to Sirik in southern Iran.

Iran had targeted three ships in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 48 hours, including a Saudi tanker and a Qatari liquefied gas tanker.