Multiple explosions were heard across Tehran on Sunday after Israel said it launched fresh strikes on targets belonging to what it called the Iranian “terror regime.”
The escalation comes a day after coordinated US–Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian media reports. There has been no independent verification of the claim.
‼️WATCH: For the first time since the start of Operation ‘Roaring Lion’, the IAF is striking targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.
Over the past day, the IAF conducted large-scale strikes to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to… pic.twitter.com/DN2MkGCfWc
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026
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In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was striking targets “in the heart of Tehran.”
“Over the past day, the Israeli Air Force conducted large-scale strikes in order to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran,” the statement said.
Blasts were reportedly heard in northern Tehran. Video footage circulating online showed thick plumes of smoke rising from buildings, though the scale of damage and casualties remains unclear.
Operation ‘Epic Fury’ and Khamenei Death Reports
The strikes follow a joint US–Israeli offensive named Operation Epic Fury, launched after stalled nuclear negotiations and allegations that Iran had resumed nuclear activities.
Iranian media reported that Khamenei was killed in his compound during the strikes. The reports also claimed that members of his family, including his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, died in the attack.
MUST READ: Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, claims Israel official
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly confirmed the reports but was cited by Iranian outlets as having seen images of Khamenei’s body.
No official confirmation has been issued by Tehran’s leadership structure regarding succession or formal acknowledgement.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Vow Retaliation
Following the reported killing, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a strong warning on Telegram.
“The most ferocious offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces will begin any moment now,” the statement read, adding that it would target “occupied territories and American terrorist bases.”
It further warned that the “hand of revenge of the Iranian nation” would not relent against those responsible.
In the hours preceding Sunday’s strikes, Iran launched missiles across parts of the Middle East, with reported impacts in Gulf regions including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain.
Regional Fallout and Rising Tensions
The renewed strikes have sharply intensified an already volatile regional situation.
Airspace disruptions, emergency alerts and heightened military readiness have been reported across multiple Middle Eastern countries. Hospitals and civil defence authorities in affected regions have activated emergency protocols.
The developments mark one of the most serious escalations between Israel and Iran in recent years, with broader geopolitical consequences likely if hostilities continue.
