, March 4 -- Israel's military announced a new wave of strikes on government infrastructure in Tehran Wednesday, following reports of a heavy explosion in the eastern part of the city.

Meanwhile, France has deployed Rafale fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates to intercept Iranian drones targeting French forces stationed there, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, reports Al Jazeera.

The jets, based at Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi, were tasked with protecting hundreds of French navy, air force, and army personnel from Iranian attacks.

President Emmanuel Macron also announced that France is sending its flagship aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the widening conflict in the Middle East.

Barrot emphasized that ...