Daijiworld Media Network - Bandar abbas

Bandar abbas, Feb 1: A gas leak caused an explosion at a building in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday, killing at least two people and injuring 14, local authorities said.

Mohammad Amin Liaqat, head of the city’s fire department, described the gas leak as the “preliminary assessment” and said more details would be shared in the coming hours. Videos on social media showed debris and damaged vehicles outside the building, with residents standing nearby.

Separately, another gas explosion in Ahvaz, near the Iraqi border, reportedly killed four people, according to the Tehran Times.

The blasts come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests and its nuclear programme. U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier indicated a potential “armada” moving toward Iran, while senior Iranian officials stressed ongoing talks with the U.S.

Authorities dismissed social media claims that a Revolutionary Guard navy commander was targeted in the Bandar Abbas blast. Two Israeli officials confirmed Israel had no involvement.

Bandar Abbas, Iran’s key container port on the Strait of Hormuz, previously witnessed a major explosion in April that killed dozens and injured over 1,000 people.