Tehran, June 8 -- Fresh tensions have erupted in West Asia as Israel launched targeted military operations against Iran, triggering widespread blasts across several strategic cities, regional state media reported.

According to the Iranian state news agency, IRNA, at least "two powerful explosions" were heard in Tehran, while the central city of Isfahan was rocked by at least three blasts.

The state-run IRIB broadcaster further confirmed the expanding scope of the aerial multi-city engagement, reporting that there have been "multiple explosions heard in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan".

These dramatic overnight developments mark a sharp escalation in West Asia, unfolding shortly after Tehran had launched its own fresh barrage of projectiles...