Explosions were heard on Iran's Qeshm Island on Tuesday afternoon, according to the semi official Mehr News Agency, which said the cause remains unknown and no official statement has been issued. The island sits between the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically significant waterway.

Reports earlier in the week said drones were spotted over the island, prompting the activation of air defense systems. Local media indicated that air defenses were also activated on Tuesday morning.

Footage shared by media affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps appeared to show pro government demonstrators waving Iranian flags and chanting against Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

The developments follow a statement by United States President Donald Trump, who said he had planned airstrikes on Iran but postponed them after requests from leaders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.