Amid rising fears of war in Iran, several explosions have occurred. In two cases, the incidents appear to have been caused by gas explosions, though some reports have been contradicted.
Brutally suppressed protests, threats of attacks by the U.S. president – against this backdrop, news comes from southern Iran about explosions. On Saturday (January 31, 2026), several people lost their lives as a result.
In the port city of Bandar Abbas, authorities reported that at least one person died and 14 were injured.
According to the local fire chief, the explosion was caused by a crack in a gas pipeline. Gas had accumulated in the building and later exploded, the official said on state television.
The Tasnim news agency, affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), denied circulating reports that this was an attempted attack on IRGC Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri. The state news agency IRNA published a photo showing the partially destroyed façade of the multi-story residential building.
Gas Explosion in Ahvaz
According to the Tehran Times, a gas explosion near the Iraq border in the city of Ahvaz killed four people. The Iranian online portal Nur News, citing the local fire chief, reported that the explosion was also caused by a pipeline crack. The Tehran-based newspaper Hamshahri confirmed this, referring to the fire chief.
Eyewitnesses also reported an explosion and smoke rising over the capital Tehran. Authorities stated that a reed area along a river had caught fire, Iranian media reported.
Israel Denies Responsibility
Israel has rejected any responsibility for the explosions in Iran. Two government officials told Reuters that their country was not involved.
Bandar Abbas is Iran’s second-most important container port. It is located at the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key maritime routes, through which about one-fifth of global oil shipments pass.
In April of last year, a major explosion also occurred at this port, killing several people and injuring over 1,000. An investigative commission then blamed the disaster on security failures.
Mutual Threats
A three-day naval exercise by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards is set to begin in the Persian Gulf, with participation from China and Russia. The backdrop of the exercise is rising military tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed an aircraft carrier fleet to the region, calling it an “Armada” en route to Iran on Thursday (January 29, 2026).
According to U.S. sources, Trump is considering strikes against Iran’s security apparatus. He has repeatedly threatened Tehran, citing the brutal actions of security forces against protesters.
Iranian President Massud Peseschkian accused the U.S., Israel, and Europe on Saturday (January 31, 2026) of exploiting the country’s economic problems to incite unrest. Army Chief Amir Hatami warned the U.S. that any “mistake could threaten its own security.” Following Trump’s threats, Iran has placed its armed forces on high alert.
