Explosions rattle Tehran as US warns ‘largest bombing campaign’ of war is still ahead

2026-03-07 - 06:47

Explosions rocked the Iranian capital early Saturday as Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and marking another major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States. Video footage circulating online showed multiple blasts and rising smoke over western Tehran as Israeli forces confirmed they had begun a “broad wave” of attacks targeting military infrastructure in the city. Iran quickly retaliated by launching missiles toward Israel. Air raid sirens sounded across parts of the country, including Jerusalem, sending residents rushing to bomb shelters as air defenses intercepted incoming projectiles. The conflict also appeared to be widening across the region. Warning sirens were reported in Bahrain early Saturday as Iranian attacks targeted the island kingdom, dw.com reports. Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted drones headed toward the strategic Shaybah oil field and shot down a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, where US forces are stationed. The United States and Israel have carried out a series of strikes on Iran over the past week, targeting military installations, leadership figures and elements of the country’s nuclear program. However, the objectives and timeline of the war remain unclear. At times, US officials have suggested that the campaign could ultimately lead to a change in Iran’s leadership. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned in a television interview that the most intense phase of the war had yet to begin, describing an upcoming offensive as the “biggest bombing campaign” since the fighting started. Israeli officials said they have also been targeting an extensive underground bunker system believed to have been prepared by Iranian leaders to shelter during the conflict. Despite the rising violence, there are no signs the war will end soon. The administration of Donald Trump has approved a new $151 million arms sale to Israel, reinforcing Washington’s support for its ally. Trump also ruled out negotiations with Tehran unless it agrees to “unconditional surrender.” In a social media post on Friday, he wrote: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Trump added that after a surrender and the selection of “a great and acceptable leader,” the United States and its allies would help rebuild Iran and strengthen its economy. The remarks have raised further questions about the long-term strategy behind the war. According to officials in the affected countries, the fighting has so far killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel, while six US troops have also been reported killed. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a social media post that some countries had begun mediation efforts to try to end the conflict, although he did not provide further details. Meanwhile, Trump has told media outlets that he believes he should play a role in selecting a successor to Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during the opening phase of the war. With missile exchanges continuing and regional tensions spreading, analysts warn the conflict could expand further across the Middle East in the coming days.