Explosions heard in Iran, Syria as Middle East braces for Israeli retaliation
DUBAI/CAIRO, Oct 26 (Reuters) -Loud explosions were heard in Iran and near Syria's capital early on Saturday, state media in both countries said, the possible start of an awaited response by Israel to a ballistic-missile barrage carried out by Iran on Oct. 1.
Iran's state TV said several strong explosions were heard around the capital Tehran, but there was no official comment about the source of explosions. Semi-official Iranian media said explosions were also heard in the nearby city of Karaj.
The Israel Defence Forces said its military was conducting precise strikes.
Syrian state TV said explosions were also heard in the Damascus countryside and central region.
The Middle East has been on edge in anticipation of Israeli retaliation for Iran's attack, in which around 200 ballistic missiles were fired at Israel, Iran's second direct attack on Israel in six months.
Israel's defense minister said this week that enemies would "pay a heavy price" for trying to harm Israel.
In the past few weeks Israel has intensified its offensive against Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza and its Iran-backed ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. The war was triggered a year ago by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
Washington is seeking to head off further widening of the conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that Israel's retaliation should not lead to greater escalation.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reporting by Parisa Hafezi in Dubai and Ahmed Tolba; additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; writing by Simon Lewis; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien
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