ISTANBUL

Two explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus and surrounding areas on Wednesday, Syrian media reported.

The sounds of blasts were likely due to the interception of Iranian missiles by Israeli air defenses, Al-Ikhbariyah TV said on Telegram.

No information was available about possible injuries or damage.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since Israel and the US launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage, while disrupting global markets and aviation.