Iranian state-affiliated news agencies reported explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and the nearby city of Sirik. According to the Mehr News Agency, blasts were heard in Bandar Abbas. The Mizan News Agency also cited reports of explosion sounds in both Sirik and Bandar Abbas.
Trump’s Warning Precedes Reports
Hours before the reports emerged, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning suggesting a possible military strike against Iran on the evening of Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Speaking publicly, Trump said: “I’ll give a little warning: We’re going to hit them hard tonight.” He left open the possibility of a new military operation.
He added: “I told them not to hit oil facilities — maybe that happens today. They’d deserve it because they’re not honoring the agreement. I said ‘yes,’ let them go to Khamenei’s funeral — and then they started launching missiles and struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. They’re dishonest people. Vance and Whitkoff can continue negotiations, but I don’t see results.”