Israel launches attacks on Iran, multiple explosions heard in Tehran

As the Iranian army announced the launch of new attacks targeting US and Israeli objectives, a series of explosions were reported in Iran’s capital, Tehran on Sunday, Anadolu reports.

The strikes hit the northern and eastern parts of the capital, with plumes of smoke rising from the affected sites.

The crisis began early Saturday when Israel and the US carried out strikes on multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Qom, Tabriz, Bushehr, Kermanshah and Ilam.

READ: Israel launches ‘preemptive’ strike on Iran as explosions rock Tehran

Israel described the operation as a “pre-emptive attack,” with Trump announcing “major combat operations” targeting Iran.

Israel and Iran closed their airspace. Israel declared a state of emergency, and civilians were urged to seek shelter in anticipation of Iranian counterattacks.

Iran reported firing dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel and launched strikes on US targets in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan using missiles and kamikaze drones. The Iranian Red Crescent reported 201 deaths and 747 injuries from the attacks.

READ: US-Israeli strike hits Red Crescent building, surrounding areas