Unprecedented blasts reported in Tehran as Israel announces wave of strikes

Powerful explosions described as “unprecedented” were reported across eastern Tehran, with Iranian air defence systems activated, according to Al Jazeera Arabic.

The blasts were heard in multiple locations, including densely populated areas, as residents reported large-scale detonations.

The Israeli military said it had launched a “wave of extensive strikes targeting” Iranian government infrastructure in the capital. Iranian media reported explosions near major roads and neighbourhoods. 

Fars news reported that at least two locations near the Shahid Babaei Expressway in the capital, as well as the Garmdareh area in the eastern outskirts of the city, were among those hit.

It said that a “tremendous sound of explosion” was also heard at the intersection of Hafez and Jomhouri Streets, a densely populated area with a mix of government offices, commercial areas, and residential buildings.