The explosion was so loud and strong, the elderly resident of northern Tehran said she felt it in her heart, describing the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that boomed across the Iranian capital and raised columns of smoke.

The drive from Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport to the city centre is about 55 minutes. The traffic can be described as a living, breathing force that moves as one through the capital of Iran, home to 10 million people, where amid the apparent chaos, there is an unspoken choreography.

Bombs have struck hospitals, schools and residential buildings in some of the heaviest strikes on Tehran since the war began.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were indications that Khamenei may have been killed in a strike on his compound during the ongoing US Israeli operation.

Ferdowsi Street in the Iranian capital Tehran was seen bearing huge damage on Tuesday following reported airstrikes the day before. Footage shows extensive destruction to buildings on the street, as well as the Iranian flag flying above the rubble.

Residents of the Iranian capital describe problems obtaining food and medicine, water and electricity outages, and constant anxiety over the fear of being targeted