Baghdad: Explosions were heard on Saturday evening in Iraq's capital Baghdad amid escalating regional tensions, according to an Anadolu correspondent. Local media also reported that the explosions coincided with sirens sounding inside the compound housing the US Embassy in Baghdad, with air defense systems reportedly activated.

According to Anadolu Agency, the development came despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian saying Saturday that Iran would refrain from attacking neighboring states unless attacks were launched against the country from their territory. Iran began launching missiles and drones on Feb. 28 toward Israel and Gulf countries that host US military assets. Some of the strikes have caused casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential buildings.

Tehran states that the attacks are in response to a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that has resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.