Iran activated its air defence systems across parts of Tehran early Thursday after explosions were reported in and around the capital, as hostilities with the United States continued to intensify.

The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that air defences were activated in several areas, including eastern and western Tehran.

Initial reports also indicated explosions near Parchin and Pakdasht, southeast of the capital.

The governor of Pakdasht separately confirmed that air defence systems had been activated in the city and that explosions were heard.

Later, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said there were no casualties in Parchin and Pakdasht, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency.

Fars also quoted a spokesperson for Semnan province as saying that parts of Semnan Airport had been targeted in “enemy air strikes.”

The spokesperson said rescue teams had been deployed and were taking the necessary measures in response to the attacks.

The official added that no residential areas in Semnan province’s cities or villages had come under attack and urged the public not to pay attention to rumours or reports circulated by “enemy media.”

The reported strikes and activation of Iran’s air defences came as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate over the Strait of Hormuz.

The two sides have exchanged a series of military attacks despite a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict and pave the way for a lasting peace agreement.