Airstrikes and explosions over the Iranian capital city of Tehran persisted Monday as the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict entered its 24th day, with Iran vowing a firm response to battlefield threats.
A China Media Group reporter said explosions were heard in eastern Tehran at 03:10 local time, followed by the sound of active air defense systems.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday via social media that "the illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil. We firmly confront delirious threats on the battlefield."
His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump's statement on Saturday that the United States has blown Iran off of the map.
According to a report by the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Sunday, Mohammad Karami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) headquarters Quds, said the Iranian ground forces have high morale and are fully prepared for war.
Karami stated that the forces stand ready to respond strongly to any aggression, and that regardless of the level of attack, they will strike quickly and destructively.
U.S. media reported on Friday that the U.S. military is deploying three additional warships and approximately 2,500 service members to the Middle East.
Separately, U.S. news website Axios reported on the same day that the Trump administration is considering options to occupy or blockade the Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal, as part of efforts to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Huge blasts heard over Tehran as Iran vows firm response to battlefield threats
Huge blasts heard over Tehran as Iran vows firm response to battlefield threats
