Tehran, July 9 -- Several explosions were heard across southern Iran early on Friday, including in Bushehr, where Iran's only civilian nuclear power plant is located, as well as Bandar Abbas, Konarak and Choghadak, according to Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency.

Mehr reported that three explosions were heard in the southern port city of Konarak in Sistan and Baluchestan province. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The latest explosions came after another day of military escalation between the United States and Iran, with both sides exchanging strikes and threats that have fuelled concerns of a wider regional conflict.

Israel signals readiness for further action

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel...