Tehran, June 8: Iranian authorities on Monday sought to reassure residents after a series of explosions were reported across parts of the country, stating that residential areas in the capital were not targeted during the latest military escalation between Iran and Israel.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, at least two explosions were heard in western Tehran at approximately 4:43 a.m. and 4:45 a.m. local time. Responding to growing public concern, a spokesperson for the Tehran Fire Department said that no urban or residential areas had been struck.
The clarification came as Israel launched fresh airstrikes against what it described as military targets in central and western Iran, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities.
Iranian state television reported that explosions were also heard in several other cities, including Isfahan, Karaj and Tabriz. However, authorities did not immediately disclose the exact locations targeted or provide details regarding casualties or damage to infrastructure.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Israeli operation involved the use of air-launched ballistic missiles. The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the strikes, stating, “A short while ago, the Israeli Air Force struck military targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran.”The latest military exchange follows a sharp deterioration in regional security after Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday. Iran subsequently launched missiles toward Israel, prompting the Israeli response early Monday.
The escalation has further complicated diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining a fragile ceasefire and reducing tensions in the region. Ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran have reportedly stalled amid the renewed hostilities.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump called on Iran to cease missile attacks and return to negotiations. Speaking to Fox News, Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s earlier strikes in Beirut, saying they had not been coordinated with Washington.
According to Axios, a senior US official revealed that Trump had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him not to retaliate immediately following Iran’s missile attack. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the US President believed he had persuaded Netanyahu to delay further military action.
“Trump got Bibi to hold off for the time being,” the official said, though no additional details of the conversation were disclosed.Netanyahu’s office did not immediately comment on the reported call.
The latest developments underscore the growing risk of a wider regional conflict as military operations continue and diplomatic efforts struggle to contain the crisis.