Multiple explosions were heard in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday, AFP journalists said, with black smoke seen rising in the east.
The series of blasts was heard shortly before 3:30pm, local time, on the sixth day of the most intense exchange of fire between arch-foes Iran and Israel.
At least five columns of smoke could be seen in the east and southeast of the Iranian capital, according to the journalist, who reported the blasts were heard around 3:50pm.
Israel struck a nuclear facility near Tehran on Wednesday, escalating its six-day conflict with Iran. In response, Iran fired hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles at Tel Aviv and sent drone swarms toward Israel, though none of the missiles struck the city. Israel said it intercepted ten drones and hit several weapons and centrifuge sites vital to Iran’s nuclear program.
US President Donald Trump denied American involvement but warned Iran of further consequences, demanding its “unconditional surrender” and threatening Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran’s leader vowed a harsh response, saying Israel would be shown “no mercy.”
Airstrikes have hit military and civilian sites in both countries. At least 24 people have died in Israel and 224 in Iran, with evacuations underway. Long queues formed in Tehran for essentials as fear spread.
The conflict has stalled nuclear talks. The UN confirmed damage at Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility, while Israel continues to avoid confirming its own nuclear arsenal.
