Loud explosions were reported in Iran’s capital Tehran amid fresh strikes, as tensions between the United States and Iran continued to escalate on Thursday.
Developments were unfolding rapidly, with Iranian state-linked forces and US leadership issuing new statements around the same time.
Blasts in Tehran amid fresh strikes
Multiple reports indicated that loud blasts were heard in Tehran during fresh strikes. The updates emerged as the conflict cycle entered another phase, with retaliatory action also being announced from the Iranian side.
There was no immediate, independently verified official breakdown in the available information on the exact locations affected within Tehran or the extent of damage and casualties.
Iran Guards say 19th retaliatory wave launched
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that they had carried out what they described as the 19th wave of retaliation.
The statement highlighted the continuing back and forth between the two sides, with the Iranian force presenting the action as part of an ongoing sequence of responses.
Trump calls Iran “out of control”, frames strikes as pre-emptive
US President Donald Trump described Iran as a country “out of control” while addressing the situation.
Trump said the strikes were pre-emptive in nature and were conducted to prevent Tehran from launching an attack on Israel first.
He also said that Washington was now in a strong position against Iran, indicating that the US views its actions as having shifted the balance in its favour.
Situation remains fluid
The latest reports from Tehran and the statements from both sides underline the volatility of the situation, with actions and counter actions continuing in quick succession.
Further details are awaited as updates continue to come in from official sources and on-ground reporting.