Powerful explosions rock Tehran as US-Israeli strikes continue

Powerful explosions were heard early Wednesday in multiple areas of Iran's capital amid US-Israeli attacks. Blasts struck northeastern, western and central parts of Tehran, with plumes of smoke visible from distant districts, an Anadolu correspondent reported. Around the same time, the sounds of explosions were also heard in the nearby city of Karaj, west of Tehran, the Hamshahri newspaper reported. There were no immediate reports of casualties or the extent of the damage.

Conflict context

The US and Israel have been carrying out airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 150 schoolgirls. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. At least 13 US service members have been killed since the war began, according to official US figures.

Economic impact

The conflict has driven up energy prices and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint through which about 20% of global supply passes each day. Approximately 1,900 commercial vessels remain stranded in the region, with oil prices above $116 per barrel.

Ongoing escalation

Wednesday's explosions in Tehran come as the conflict enters its fifth week with no signs of abating. The US has deployed elite military units including the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, while Israel continues its ground offensive in Lebanon, where over 1,200 have been killed since March 2.