Blasts Reported in Southern Iran and the Strait of Hormuz; Trump Tells Congress Fighting Has Resumed

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, reports emerged Monday evening of a series of explosions at several strategic locations across southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Larak Island, Konarak, and the Strait of Hormuz area. Simultaneously, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iran had struck several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and that the sounds of explosions were heard in the area in the wake of the attacks.

According to the reports, multiple explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, while missile strikes were reported on Larak Island and in Konarak. Residents in the area described fighter jets visible in the skies above the city, and local sources reported four powerful blasts in Konarak. Iranian state media likewise reported four explosions heard east of Bandar Abbas.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had intercepted two American "Lox" unmanned aerial vehicles in the Bandar Abbas and Lar areas. Tasnim separately claimed that Iran had attacked several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with the sounds of explosions echoing across the area in the aftermath.

In a significant parallel development, The New York Times reported that President Donald Trump formally notified Congress that hostilities with Iran had resumed. In a letter sent to congressional leaders on Friday — obtained by the newspaper Monday — Trump wrote that American forces had carried out "defensive strikes against targets inside Iran on July 7."

The congressional notification was submitted in accordance with the War Powers Act of 1973, which requires the president to inform Congress within 48 hours of initiating military action, and stipulates that such action must cease within 60 days unless Congress votes to authorize its continuation. The scope and application of the Act has historically been a flashpoint in disputes between the executive branch and Capitol Hill.