Iran reportedly fired at suspected Israeli drones near a major air base and nuclear site close to Isfahan early Friday, prompting activation of air defense systems. Israeli officials downplayed the incident, emphasizing a limited response to avoid escalation.
Iran described the strike as targeting a military air base, but local officials attributed the explosions to Iran’s interception of “flying objects.” There are no announced plans for retaliation against Israel.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. was not involved in offensive operations and referred to the incident as “reported events.” Italy’s foreign minister mentioned that the U.S. was informed last minute by Israel but did not share the attack details.
Iran shoots down drones allegedly (Credits: Scroll.in)
The Isfahan air base houses Iranian F-14 Tomcats and nuclear facilities, including research reactors and fuel production for the civilian nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no damage to Iran’s nuclear sites and urged restraint, emphasizing that nuclear facilities should not be targets in military conflicts.
While Iran possesses enough enriched uranium for nuclear weapons, U.S. authorities assert it isn’t actively pursuing nuclear armament. Flight diversions and airspace closures occurred in western Iran, possibly due to the incident, though normal flight service later resumed.
Iran fires air defences at military base (Credits: Global News)
Tensions persist following Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel, countered by Israeli defense systems. The attack came after an Israeli airstrike in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, targeting Iran’s consulate and resulting in casualties among top Iranian officers.
