Deadly explosions rocked Tehran close to a pro-government rally attended by top officials as Israel and Iran unleashed fresh strikes in a war that has ignited the Middle East and threatens to torpedo the world economy.
Since erupting on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, the war has cascaded throughout the region, drawn in global powers, and sparked a major oil shock.
AFP journalists in Tehran reported loud blasts over the city skies, as Israel’s military said it had hit more than 200 targets in western and central Iran in the past day.
Iran’s state media said at least one woman was killed when blasts hit an area near a demonstration, where large crowds had gathered waving flags and brandishing banners reading “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”.
“These attacks are out of fear, out of desperation,” said Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who attended the rally to mark Quds Day.
“One who is strong wouldn’t bomb demonstrations at all. It’s clear that it (the enemy) has failed,” said Larijani in a speech broadcast on state TV.
President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also attended the rally, while images on Iranian media showed the head of the judiciary being interviewed just as a blast occurred.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei vowed Iran’s military would teach the US and Israel “an unforgettable lesson”.
Shortly afterwards, state television said Iran had launched a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel.
