Large explosion rocks Iran’s capital as Israel begins striking targets in the ‘heart of Tehran’
A huge blast shook Tehran on Sunday as the Israel Defense Forces announced it had initiated strikes deep inside the city, escalating a rapidly widening conflict following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Thick smoke rose above the Iranian capital after the explosion, which rattled buildings and sent residents fleeing into the streets. The impact appeared centred near a district that houses the country’s police headquarters and Iranian state television. The affected area included the Seyyed Khandan and Qasr intersections, Vanak Square and Motahari Street.
“The IDF is striking targets that belong to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran,” the Israeli military said, adding that the Israeli Air Force had conducted large-scale operations over the past 24 hours “in order to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran.”
US-sraeli strike triggers Iranian retaliation
The strike came a day after a joint American-Israeli assault killed Khamenei, 86, at his office in Tehran – an attack that has plunged the Islamic Republic into uncertainty and raised fears of regional spillover.
Iran swiftly launched missiles and drones toward Israel and US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, after promising harsh retaliation. Dozens of projectiles were fired at Israel, according to the IDF, with most intercepted. A woman in the Tel Aviv area died after being wounded.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran sharply against escalating further. “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country,” he said, before cautioning, “THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!”
Senior Iranian officials reportedly killed
Iranian state media reported heavy casualties in additional strikes targeting the country’s senior leadership. Among those killed were army chief of staff Gen. Abdol Rahim Mousavi, Defence Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh, and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, who had recently taken command of the Revolutionary Guard. Veteran security adviser Ali Shamkhani also died.
The deaths have intensified concerns over who will lead Iran after the supreme leader’s killing. A temporary council has been formed to oversee governance until a successor is chosen.
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Regional unrest spreads
The conflict quickly spilled beyond Iran’s borders. In Karachi, hundreds of Shiite protesters stormed the US Consulate, prompting police to fire tear gas and use batons. One demonstrator was killed, authorities said.
Meanwhile, missiles fired at the United Arab Emirates triggered air-defence fire over Dubai. Shrapnel killed one person in Abu Dhabi, and debris caused fires at the city’s main port and on the façade of the Burj Al Arab hotel. Saudi Arabia reported repelling strikes on its capital and eastern regions, while Jordan said it intercepted 49 drones and ballistic missiles.
Flights were disrupted across the Middle East, and analysts warned of potential shocks to global markets if the Strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway for oil shipments – is threatened.
US says its forces suffered minimal damage
The US military said its strikes inside Iran targeted Revolutionary Guard command sites, missile and drone launch positions, and air defence locations. Despite “hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks,” it reported minimal damage to American installations and no casualties.
The White House said congressional leaders from both parties had been briefed before the operation. Critics, however, condemned President Trump for authorising major military action without a full congressional vote.
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Civilian casualties inside Iran
Iranian officials accused the United States and Israel of causing heavy civilian losses. State media said at least 15 people were killed in the southwest, including residents of two neighbourhoods, a sports hall and an area near a school. In southern Iran, more than 115 deaths were reported after a girls’ school was hit, though US officials said they were still reviewing the allegations.
Public reaction and mourning
Eyewitnesses in Tehran told the Associated Press that some residents celebrated on hearing early reports of Khamenei’s death, sounding whistles and shouting from rooftops. But official mourning began as a black flag was raised over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. The government declared 40 days of national mourning and ordered a week-long shutdown.
The semi-official Fars news agency reported that several members of Khamenei’s family – including a daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchild – were also killed in the strike.
(AP)