Iran has confirmed that its air defences shot down drones near the central city of Isfahan, which is home to a major air base and a nuclear site.
The incident came amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with the U.S. reportedly receiving last-minute information from Israel about the attack. Israeli officials hinted at carrying out the attack, but Israel did not directly acknowledge it.
According to Iranian state media, explosions were reported in the skies over Isfahan and Tabriz, but the Iranian government has downplayed the incidents. Several countries, including Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Italy, the UK, the EU, and Japan, have called for de-escalation and restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that there is no damage to Iran's nuclear sites and has urged all sides to exercise extreme restraint.
The attack briefly disrupted commercial flights in Iran and raised concerns about potential escalation in the region, including attacks on shipping. However, Iranian state media sought to downplay the incident, airing footage of a peaceful Isfahan morning. The attack occurred on the 85th birthday of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Why this matters: The incident threatens to raise regional tensions and push the Middle East deeper into conflict. It comes less than a week after Iran fired more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel in response to an earlier strike on an Iranian compound in Syria.
The G7 foreign ministers have urged all parties to work to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned Israel against taking any further military action, saying Iran's response would be "immediate and at a maximum level." The relatively limited scope of Israel's strike and the subdued response from Iran may have lowered the chances of an immediate escalation in fighting between the two countries, according to analysts. However, they cautioned that any outcome was still possible.
Key Takeaways
- Iran shot down drones near Isfahan, home to an air base and nuclear site.
- The incident came amid tensions between Iran and Israel, with the US receiving last-minute info from Israel.
- IAEA confirmed no damage to Iran's nuclear sites, urged restraint from all sides.
- The attack, which occurred on Iran's Supreme Leader's birthday, briefly disrupted flights.
- The incident threatens to raise regional tensions, but limited scope may lower the chances of immediate escalation.
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Iran Confirms Shooting Down Drones Amid Explosions, Israel Declines to Comment
Iran shot down drones near a major air base and nuclear site, raising tensions with Israel. The attack briefly disrupted flights, but Iran downplayed the incident. Calls for de-escalation amid fears of further conflict in the region.
Iran Confirms Shooting Down Drones Amid Explosions, Israel Declines to Comment
Iran has confirmed that its air defences shot down drones near the central city of Isfahan, which is home to a major air base and a nuclear site.
The incident came amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with the U.S. reportedly receiving last-minute information from Israel about the attack. Israeli officials hinted at carrying out the attack, but Israel did not directly acknowledge it.
According to Iranian state media, explosions were reported in the skies over Isfahan and Tabriz, but the Iranian government has downplayed the incidents. Several countries, including Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Italy, the UK, the EU, and Japan, have called for de-escalation and restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that there is no damage to Iran's nuclear sites and has urged all sides to exercise extreme restraint.
The attack briefly disrupted commercial flights in Iran and raised concerns about potential escalation in the region, including attacks on shipping. However, Iranian state media sought to downplay the incident, airing footage of a peaceful Isfahan morning. The attack occurred on the 85th birthday of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Why this matters: The incident threatens to raise regional tensions and push the Middle East deeper into conflict. It comes less than a week after Iran fired more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel in response to an earlier strike on an Iranian compound in Syria.
The G7 foreign ministers have urged all parties to work to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned Israel against taking any further military action, saying Iran's response would be "immediate and at a maximum level." The relatively limited scope of Israel's strike and the subdued response from Iran may have lowered the chances of an immediate escalation in fighting between the two countries, according to analysts. However, they cautioned that any outcome was still possible.
Key Takeaways