Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced the launch of a large-scale wave of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the IRGC said the first phase of extensive missile and drone operations had begun in response to what it described as aggression by a “hostile and criminal enemy” against the Islamic Republic of Iran, The Caspian Post reports, citing Tasnim news agency.

Earlier in the day, the United States and Israel carried out attacks on several Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran.

Loud explosions were reported in Tehran on Saturday morning, with thick smoke seen rising into the sky.

Blasts were also reported in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Tabriz, and Kermanshah.