QOM, IRAN, July 14 -- A powerful explosion shook a residential building in the Pardisan neighborhood of Qom, injuring seven people and damaging four homes. Local officials confirmed that the blast was caused by a gas leak, not an external attack. The incident occurred late Sunday night, and emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the scene.

Speaking to Iran's semi-official Fars News , the city's fire chief said the residents were ordinary civilians and not connected to any government or military facilities. Investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause of the leak, but authorities have ruled out sabotage or foreign involvement.

The blast comes just weeks after a 12-day military conflict last month involving strikes b...