Large-scale cyberattacks targeted several Iranian websites, including those of Iranian government agencies and the official Iranian news agency IRNA, on Saturday, while the United States and Israel launched attacks against the Middle East country, said a reporter from China Central Television (CCTV) citing local media outlets.
Media reports captured heavy smoke rising from explosions in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
Panic erupted on the streets of the city, leading to severe traffic congestion, as observed by the CCTV reporter.
Iran closed its airspace while the attacks were ongoing, and explosions also occurred in several provinces outside Tehran.
The Iranian military has announced that it will respond with devastating force to the strikes by the United States and Israel.
The U.S. and Israel on Saturday launched "major combat operations" against Iran, plunging the war-torn Middle East into a new round of violent conflicts.
Iran retaliated with a series of counterattacks against Israel and U.S. targets across the region, with explosions reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, among other countries.
The latest flare-up came after the United States and Iran wrapped up their third round of indirect talks earlier this week and agreed to resume negotiations next week.
Large-scale cyberattacks target several Iranian websites
President of the Republic of Seychelles Patrick Herminie has hailed Chinese cuisine as the "best in the world", highlighting his admiration for China's culture and the growing friendship between the two countries.
In an interview with China Media Group aired Friday, Herminie described himself as "a big fan of Chinese cuisine". His fondness for Chinese flavors is well known in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, where he often frequents a Chinese restaurant managed by a chef who studied and worked in China years ago.
The restaurant's fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with local seafood has created a distinctive island flavor that resonates with him and many diners.
Herminie said he likes almost all Chinese dishes as their tastes are really wonderful.
"I think you have the best cuisine in the world," Herminie told the reporter. To sustain authentic flavors beyond the restaurant table, a farm has been built in Seychelles to supply fresh vegetables for Chinese cooking, from Shanghai greens to long beans and chives, recreating the flavors and feel of Chinese gardens in the island nation.
Herminie's passion for Chinese cuisine extends into diplomacy. On Jan 29, he attended a Spring Festival reception at the Chinese embassy in Victoria. There, he sipped tea, learned about Chinese New Year traditions, and wrote the Chinese character "Fu," symbolizing good fortune, along with blessings for the Year of the Horse.
President of Seychelles hails Chinese cuisine, strengthening cultural ties
