Iran state TV: Explosions caused by 'air defence system activation'

Tehran: Iranian state television reported on Saturday that the explosions heard around the capital were a result of the "activation of the air defence system" in response to an Israeli assault.

"The loud blasts heard around Tehran were related to the activation of the air defence system against the actions of Zionist regime which attacked three locations outside of Tehran city," state TV reported, citing officials of the Tehran province air defence.

Iraq has halted all air traffic at its airports on Saturday until further notice due to Israel's airstrikes on the nation.

Israel announced on Saturday that it has launched "targeted strikes" on military sites in Iran in response to missile attacks from the country. An AFP journalist in Tehran reported hearing multiple explosions during these operations.

This escalation follows a missile attack from Iran on October 1, prompting Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to declare that Israel’s response would be "deadly, precise, and surprising."

Since the tragic attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,206 casualties mostly among civilians, Israel has been engaged in conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The situation has worsened, leading Israel to extend its military efforts into Lebanon amid ongoing threats from Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The October 1 missile strike marked Iran's second direct assault on Israel, occurring after an Israeli airstrike killed key Hezbollah figures on September 27. The rapid escalation has raised concerns about a wider regional conflict involving Iran and its allies, known as the "axis of resistance."

Agency