Iranian state television has reported blasts around the capital, saying they were due to the “activation of the air defence system” against an Israeli attack, AFP reports.

In a statement, the Israeli military said that it was conducting “precise strikes on military targets in Iran”.

However, Iranian state TV, citing officials of the Tehran province air defence, reported: “The loud blasts heard around Tehran were related to the activation of the air defence system against the actions of the Zionist regime (Israel) which attacked three locations outside of Tehran city.”

An AFP reporter also heard the explosions.

Iranian media said no fires or blasts had been reported at a main oil refinery near the capital.