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A powerful explosion rocked Tehran on Sunday as the Israeli military said it was targeting the “heart” of the city. The blast sent a towering plume of smoke into the sky and shook surrounding neighborhoods, according to AP.

It was not immediately clear what specific site had been struck. The explosion appeared centered in an area housing Iran’s police headquarters and facilities linked to state television.

Israel said it was striking key targets in central Tehran after clearing what it described as a path to the capital a day earlier. The attack marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, AP reported.

A near-total internet blackout continued across Iran on Sunday morning, marking the second day of escalating conflict involving the US and Israel, AP wrote. Monitoring groups reported that connectivity remained severely restricted nationwide. 

Internet watchdog NetBlocks said online access had flatlined at just 1 percent of normal levels. The disruption has left millions unable to communicate or access information as tensions continue to rise, according to AP.

Authorities in Iran have frequently imposed internet and international call restrictions since nationwide anti-government protests began earlier this year. The latest blackout adds to concerns over transparency and access to information during the unfolding crisis.

Japan on Sunday said Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, calling for restraint and dialogue. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo has consistently supported talks between the United States and Iran to resolve tensions.

According to AP, Kihara urged Iran to halt nuclear weapons development and other actions that could destabilize the region. He stopped short of openly backing the recent US attack on Iran, emphasizing instead the importance of diplomacy and de-escalation.

AP reported, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan is preparing to dispatch troops to help evacuate about 200 Japanese nationals still in Iran. He provided no further operational details but said Tokyo will work with the international community to maintain regional stability.

At least six people were killed after hundreds of protesters stormed the US Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, according to AP. Police said clashes broke out as officers tried to control the crowd. Several others were reported injured before the situation was brought under control.

The unrest followed joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. It has triggered outrage and protests in several areas. Authorities later dispersed the demonstrators around the consulate. AP reported, security was tightened across the city to prevent further violence. Tensions remain high amid fears of wider regional escalation.