Fresh explosions in Jerusalem, tanker hit off Kuwait, Saudi Arabia intercepts drone amid regional tensions

Iran reported a fresh wave of strikes beginning around midnight. Loud explosions were heard in eastern Tehran, with shockwaves felt across parts of the capital, though the exact targets were not immediately clear. Overnight strikes were also reported in the Kurdish cities of Sanandaj, Saqqez, and Bukan. Iranian authorities said more than 150 cities across the country have been attacked since Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched its 19th wave of retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases in the region, according to Al Jazeera.

Iran launched a new round of missiles toward Israel on Thursday, as reported by the Israeli military and Iranian state media, triggering air raid alerts in several areas, including Tel Aviv. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The Israeli military said the launches came after a lull of more than seven hours in attacks.

"The Israeli Air Force has identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel," the military said, adding that air defense systems were actively intercepting the threat.

Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB, also confirmed the missile launches.

Massive Blasts in Southern Iran

Massive explosions shook Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on Thursday. Videos shared with Iran International show significant damage near Bandar-e Bahonar, inside the First Naval Zone of the IRGC, which oversees the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media IRNA reported that Iran launched three missiles targeting headquarters of Kurdish groups in Iraqi Kurdistan opposed to the Iranian regime. This follows previous attacks on Kurdish regions in both Iran and Iraq.

Explosions Heard in Jerusalem

Explosions were reported in Jerusalem on Thursday after warnings of incoming Iranian missile fire, according to AFP journalists. Emergency services reported no casualties. The Israel Defense Forces issued three separate alerts within less than two hours, warning of missile launches from Iran. Authorities later said there were no reports of major impacts, and residents were cleared to leave their shelters.

Tanker Explosion Off Kuwait

A tanker anchored off the coast of Kuwait was struck by a large explosion on Thursday, causing an oil spill in the Persian Gulf, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The blast occurred in the Mubarak Al Kabeer area. The vessel's master reported hearing a loud explosion on the port side before spotting a small craft leaving the scene.

"There is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank, which could have some environmental impact," the UKMTO said. Officials confirmed that the tanker took on some water but there was no fire onboard, and all crew members are safe.

Casualties and Escalation

Iranian state media reported that more than 1,000 people have been killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes that began last weekend. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of his family, and several senior Iranian leaders were reportedly killed in the joint attacks after efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran collapsed.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran had sought diplomacy to avoid war but had been forced to defend itself following what he called "American-Zionist military aggression." Speaking to leaders of neighboring Gulf countries, he emphasized that Iran respects their sovereignty and believes regional security should be achieved through collective efforts.