UPDATE 2 – Explosions heard as Israel renews attacks on Iranian capital

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, CHANGES DECK

By Mohammad Sio and Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) – Explosions were heard in Tehran on Wednesday as the Israeli army launched new airstrikes on the Iranian capital.

An Israeli military statement said that warplanes are currently striking Iranian military targets in Tehran.

Iranian media confirmed that explosions were heard in eastern Tehran, with smoke seen rising from the area.

Israeli strikes hit near a Red Crescent facility in Tehran.

Attacks were also reported on Payam Airport in Karaj in the northern Alborz province.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that fighter jets destroyed the Iranian internal security headquarters in Tehran.

"The tornado storm continues to hit Tehran. We will continue to strike symbols of government and hit the ayatollah regime everywhere," he added on X.

No information was yet available about casualties.

Regional tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.

Meanwhile, in Iran, 585 people have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to Iranian media reports.