Explosions reported in multiple Iranian cities, officials cite gas leaks

Multiple explosions were reported across several Iranian cities on Saturday, with authorities attributing the incidents to gas leaks. The blasts occurred in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Ahvaz, resulting in at least six deaths and nearly two dozen injuries. In Bandar Abbas, an eight-story apartment building was significantly damaged, leading to temporary evacuations of nearby residents. In Ahvaz, a residential complex was severely impacted.

Iranian officials denied any connection to military activity or drone attacks, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy specifically refuting reports of strikes on its headquarters. Israeli officials also denied any involvement. The incidents coincided with the deployment of U.S. naval forces, including the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, to the region near the Persian Gulf.

Unverified reports of additional explosions in other cities circulated on social media, though state broadcasters later urged the public to rely on official information and stated that no incidents occurred outside Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz. Nationwide safety inspections of residential gas systems have been announced.