Iran Denies Foreign Attack on Cities, Including Isfahan

Iranian officials have firmly denied that any foreign state attacked Iranian cities, including Isfahan, despite reports of explosions and air defenses being activated overnight. According to sources from Iran's Press TV, the sounds of explosions heard in Isfahan were a result of air defense systems intercepting suspected drones, not a missile attack.

The Tasnim news agency, citing informed sources, dismissed claims that Iran had been attacked from abroad after several drones were shot down near the central city of Isfahan. Iranian media reported that the drones were launched from within Iran's territory, not by a foreign state.

An Iranian Army General confirmed that the loud sounds recorded in Isfahan were due to the city's air defenses responding to suspicious objects, but stated that there was no destruction or accidents. The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization also briefly suspended flights at several airports, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz, but later lifted the restrictions.

Why this matters: The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following Israel's military offensive in Gaza and Iran's previous missile and drone attack on Israel. While Israel has not officially acknowledged carrying out any attacks in Iran, the events have raised fears of further escalation in the region.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran has no immediate plans for retaliation against Israel, suggesting the incident was more likely an infiltration attempt than an attack. The United States received advance notice of the reported Israeli strike on Iran but did not endorse or participate in the operation.

Residents of Isfahan reported that the city remained calm and quiet following the incident. Iranian media also stated that the nuclear facilities in Isfahan were completely secure. "The mini drones shot down by air defenses in Isfahan were flown by 'infiltrators from inside Iran', and not by any foreign state," an Iranian analyst stated.

Key Takeaways

• Iran denies foreign attack, says air defenses intercepted suspected drones.
• Iranian media reports drones were launched from within Iran, not by foreign state.
• Incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following Israel's Gaza offensive.
• Iran has no immediate plans for retaliation, suggests infiltration attempt, not attack.
• Nuclear facilities in Isfahan reported to be secure, drones shot down by air defenses.