Residents of the Iranian cities of Shiraz and Tabriz have reported a series of powerful explosions today, June 23, 2025, raising tensions in the region following recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Local sources describe the blasts being heard from a considerable distance, although there has been no official confirmation from the authorities. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Moscow for emergency consultations, where he is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders this morning, June 23. The talks will focus on the aftermath of the US attack and possible retaliatory steps.

The American strikes on Sunday night on targets in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan using precision bombs and B-2 aircraft were a response to Iran's nuclear program, which is supported by Israel. Iran responded with rocket attacks on Israeli territories, and the explosions in Shiraz and Tabriz, according to preliminary data from the Mehr agency, may be linked to new Israeli attacks. In Tabriz, where a large military base is located, columns of smoke were recorded, which is confirmed by satellite images from the Maxar company.

Arakchi, who arrived in Moscow, intends to discuss with Russian authorities a strategy for countering aggression.