Several Iranian cities were jolted by explosions and military activity early Thursday, raising fresh concerns despite a recently announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Witnesses reported blasts in Karaj, Ahvaz, Shiraz and other locations across the country. In Karaj, located in Alborz province west of Tehran, residents said three projectiles were seen over the Azimiyeh district before an explosion at dawn.
Additional blasts were heard in Mehrshahr at about 2:28 a.m., followed by further explosions around 3:45 a.m. in both Mehrshahr and Mohammadshahr.
In Ahvaz, the main city in oil-rich Khuzestan province, two strong explosions were reported at approximately 3:11 a.m. and 3:13 a.m., according to witnesses. Residents in Mahabad, in West Azerbaijan province, also reported hearing what sounded like a fighter jet flying overhead around 4:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, in Shiraz, the capital of Fars province, several consecutive explosions were heard at about 4:40 a.m., adding to fears of renewed escalation.
The incidents come as a temporary two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran sparks mixed reactions among Iranians.
The truce followed weeks of fighting that began on February 28, when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran during ongoing negotiations.
While US President Donald Trump described the ceasefire as part of a “productive” shift and ruled out uranium enrichment, many Iranians expressed frustration and uncertainty.
Some citizens said the pause in fighting felt like a missed opportunity for political change, while others warned that authorities could use the calm to intensify domestic repression.
Despite the ceasefire, a prolonged internet blackout across Iran continues, limiting communication and access to external information. Reports of executions during the conflict have further heightened fears among activists.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said US and Iranian delegations are expected to arrive in Pakistan on Friday for talks, suggesting the fragile ceasefire could open the door for negotiations.
However, the early-morning explosions underscore the uncertainty surrounding the truce, with many Iranians describing the situation as tense and unpredictable.
