Over 80 Israeli fighter jets reportedly strike Iranian military infrastructure while blasts echo across Tehran, Abu Dhabi and Saudi air defences intercept a drone near Riyadh
Tehran: Explosions were reported across parts of central Tehran on Saturday morning, according to Iranian local media, as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified in its second week. The development comes amid reports of extensive Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military facilities and heightened air defence activity across the Middle East.
Local reports suggested that loud blasts were heard in several areas of the Iranian capital, triggering concerns about large-scale military operations targeting strategic infrastructure.
Israeli Military Claims Major Airstrikes on Iranian Targets
The Israel Defense Forces said more than 80 fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force carried out coordinated strikes on Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran and central Iran.
According to the Israeli military, the targets included several high-value installations such as the IRGC Imam Hossein University, a facility reportedly used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for officer training and assembly operations.
Israeli officials also claimed that the airstrikes hit ballistic missile storage facilities, underground missile command centers, and launch sites located in western and central Iran that were allegedly used to prepare missile attacks against Israel.
The strikes mark one of the largest aerial operations carried out by Israel against Iranian military infrastructure, significantly escalating tensions in the region.
Saudi Air Defences Intercept Drone Near Riyadh
Meanwhile, regional security alerts spread across the Gulf after Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed a drone east of Riyadh, according to reports by Al Arabiya.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the origin of the drone, but the interception comes amid rising fears that the ongoing conflict could spill over into neighbouring countries.
Security agencies in the region have reportedly increased surveillance and defensive readiness as tensions continue to escalate.
Air Defence Systems Activated in Abu Dhabi
Reports also emerged from the Abu Dhabi, where several loud explosions were heard as the United Arab Emirates activated its air defence systems in response to a possible missile threat.
A witness cited by Reuters said multiple blasts echoed across the city as authorities responded to the incoming threat.
Officials in the UAE have not yet released detailed information regarding the origin or interception of the suspected missile.
US Aircraft Carrier Enters Middle East Theatre
Amid the escalating confrontation, the United States has significantly strengthened its naval presence in the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN‑78), the US Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, has entered Middle Eastern waters as the conflict between Washington and Tehran moves into its second week.
The US Department of Defense released images showing the carrier alongside the USS Bainbridge (DDG‑96) transiting the Suez Canal on Thursday before deploying into the region.
The deployment comes as Iran-backed groups such as the Houthi movement have previously targeted US and commercial vessels operating in nearby waters.
Explosions Reported at Ammunition Depot in Shiraz
In another development, a resident from Shiraz reportedly shared video footage showing successive explosions at a local ammunition depot on Friday.
The footage circulated on platforms linked to Iran International, where the individual was heard expressing gratitude toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the blasts.
The authenticity of the video and the exact cause of the explosions have not been independently verified.
Rising Regional Tensions
The series of military actions and defensive responses across multiple countries underscores the rapidly widening scope of the conflict in the Middle East. With airstrikes, drone interceptions and missile threats reported across several locations, regional security analysts warn that the situation could escalate further if diplomatic channels fail to calm tensions.
Authorities in several Middle Eastern nations have heightened security and air defence readiness as the conflict continues to unfold.
