In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel has reportedly launched a military strike on Iranian soil, according to official sources. This latest development marks another volatile exchange between the two long-standing adversaries, whose conflict has intensified in recent times, raising concerns of wider regional destabilization.
Reports from Iranian media indicate explosions were heard following the attack. However, an Iranian official speaking to Reuters claimed that these explosions were caused by their air defense systems. State media in Iran announced that three drones flying over the central city of Isfahan were intercepted and shot down.
As of early Friday, Israel’s leadership and military have remained silent regarding the incident. Conversely, Iranian authorities have indicated that they do not plan an immediate retaliatory strike. Despite this, there has been a subdued initial response from Iranian state media to the attack.
According to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters, the United States was informed prior to Israel’s military action. This comes in the wake of Iran’s recent unprecedented strike on Israel using drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted.
The international community, including the United States, had urged Israel to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation following the recent surge in violence triggered by an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus earlier this month, allegedly carried out by Israel.
The backdrop to these hostilities includes Iran’s support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been engaged in conflict with Israel. However, a senior Iranian official cast doubt on Israel’s involvement in the recent escalation, suggesting the possibility of internal infiltration.
Despite the mounting tensions, there has been no damage reported to Iran’s nuclear facilities following the alleged Israeli attack, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while Western powers remain skeptical.
Following the attack, Iran temporarily closed several airports and airspace, including in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan. However, by early morning, these facilities had reopened, indicating a partial return to normalcy.
In response to the heightened security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has restricted government employees from traveling outside designated areas as a precautionary measure.
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