Explosion strikes U.S. embassy entrance in Oslo; terrorism suspected but not confirmed

An explosion struck the entrance of the U.S. embassy's consular section in Oslo in the early hours of Sunday, causing minor material damage but no injuries, Norwegian police said.

The blast occurred around 1 a.m. local time at the diplomatic compound located in western Oslo. Police received multiple reports of a loud explosion followed by a column of smoke rising from the area surrounding the embassy.

Oslo police commander Michael Delmer confirmed the incident to the public broadcaster NRK, stating that the explosion damaged the entrance to the consular section. "The damage is minor," Delmer said, adding that police would not comment on details regarding the nature of the attack, what exploded, or similar specifics at this stage of the investigation.

Frode Larsen, head of the joint investigation and intelligence unit of the police, told NRK that one hypothesis under consideration is that the explosion was a terrorist act. "One of the hypotheses is that it is a terrorist act, but we are not completely fixed on this. We must be open to the possibility that there could be other causes behind what happened," Larsen said during remarks at a press conference.

A substantial police presence was deployed around the embassy following the incident. Forensic experts, bomb disposal units, and canine units were engaged in searching the perimeter of the embassy for fragments and evidence.

Investigators stated it was too early to determine whether the explosion was connected to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran in the Middle East. Police also noted there had been no known prior threats against the embassy, which factored into their assessment at the initial stage of the investigation.

The cause and responsibility for the explosion remained unclear as authorities continued their investigation. Police declined to specify whether the incident was accidental or deliberate.