Heavy explosions were reported in Iran on Friday after Israel threatened to retaliate against Tehran's attack last weekend.
• Read more: Israel warned Washington of an attack on Iran
• Read more: An explosion was heard in Isfahan, central Iran
Here's what we know so far about these developments:
Loud explosions in the center
The official Fars agency said three explosions occurred in the early hours of Friday near a military base in central Tehran. According to state television, these “strong explosions” were heard in the central province of Isfahan, and the cause is still unknown.
Iran immediately activated its air defenses in several provinces. Iranian officials said the drones had been shot down, but there had been no missile strikes “so far”.
According to the official IRNA agency, based on information reported by its journalists, there was no major damage.
Nuclear power plants were not affected
Central Iran is home to several of Iran's known nuclear sites. Tasnim said the nuclear power plants in the Isfahan region were “absolutely safe”.
“Important installations, especially nuclear installations, are completely safe and no accidents have been reported there,” the official Iranian agency IRNA also underlined.
Israeli and American reactions
“We have no comment at this time,” an Israeli military spokesman told AFP about the explosions.
Israel warned of retaliation after Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones into Israeli territory over the weekend. The attack followed Israel's alleged attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
The Israeli military announced Friday morning that warning sirens had been activated in northern Israel.
The White House, for its part, had no immediate comment. But NBC and CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter and a U.S. official, reported that Israel had warned Washington ahead of the strike that the U.S. would not approve the move or participate in its execution. “We do not approve of the response,” a US official said, according to CNN.
consequences
Emirati airline Flydubai, for its part, canceled its flights to Iran on Friday after strong explosions.
Flights from Tehran and other cities in Iran were suspended on Friday and will resume early in the morning.
Australia, for its part, urged its nationals to leave Israel and the Palestinian territories due to the “strong threat of military reprisals and terrorist attacks”.
