FactCheckRadar
Fact-check archive
Published fact-check
Claim checked
“Several explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and parts of the Persian Gulf, though the source remains unclear. Source: Fars”
Published
Rechecked
The claim that several explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and parts of the Persian Gulf is supported by reports from May 25 and May 26, 2026. While the sounds were widely reported by semi-official Iranian agencies, the exact cause remained under investigation, with some reports suggesting munitions disposal or air defense activity.
On May 25 and 26, 2026, residents across Iran's southern coast, including the port city of Bandar Abbas and the towns of Sirik and Jask, reported hearing multiple explosions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency confirmed these reports, noting that the sounds were heard at least three times in some locations. These events followed a similar series of reported explosions earlier in the month on May 7, which were linked to naval warning shots and drone engagements.
New evidence from May 26, 2026, indicates that the deputy governor of the region stated the source of the explosions was under investigation. While some Iranian media outlets initially attributed the sounds to the disposal of unexploded ordnance from previous regional conflicts, other reports from the same period mentioned the activation of air defenses and the destruction of hostile drones in the Hormozgan province. This suggests a more complex security situation than a simple munitions disposal.
Despite the lack of a single definitive official explanation, the claim that explosions were heard and reported by Fars News Agency is accurate. The reports highlight a period of high sensitivity around the Strait of Hormuz, with various Iranian media outlets confirming the auditory reports while the government investigated the specific origins of the blasts.
Source quality: The report is supported by multiple Iranian news agencies (Fars, Tasnim, Khabar Online) and international outlets (Reuters, Türkiye Today), providing consistent timelines and geographic details for the incidents in May 2026.
High
Your vote helps us see which fact-checks deserve more attention.
10 reviewed sources behind this verdict.
Confirms the specific explosions reported on May 25, 2026, providing the initial timeline for the claim.
Provides updated context from May 26, 2026, including the deputy governor's statement and mentions of air defense activity.
Provides context for a similar but separate incident that occurred earlier in May 2026.
Anadolu Agency provided detailed context on the explosions, including potential IRGC involvement and clashes at Bahman pier.
Used for: Reports of Explosions; Unclear Source of Incident.
Used for: Reports of Explosions.
Türkiye Today reported on the drone engagement and the exchange of fire on Qeshm Island.
Used for: Unclear Source of Incident.
Fars News reports that several explosions were heard by residents in the vicinity of Bandar Abbas, southern #Iran, minutes ago. The origin of
Reports on Wednesday morning said sounds of explosions were heard in Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Sirik in Iran's southern Hormozgan province.