The report has it that Israel launched a military strike on Iranian soil on Friday, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the two long-standing adversaries. The attack, which marks the latest episode in their enduring shadow war, has raised concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict.
Reports gathered from Iranian media indicated explosions in the targeted area. However, an Iranian official contradicted these reports, attributing the explosions to the activation of air defense systems. State media confirmed that three drones flying over the central city of Isfahan were intercepted and shot down.
Due to the unfolding situation, Israel’s leadership and military remained conspicuously silent early on Friday, refraining from immediate public statements regarding the attack.
Sources revealed that the United States had been notified prior to Israel’s military action. This development follows Iran’s recent unprecedented strike on Israel with a barrage of drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted before causing significant damage.
Against a backdrop of escalating violence, global powers, including Washington, had urged Israel to exercise restraint and to limit any retaliatory measures to avoid further escalation. The recent surge in hostilities was triggered by an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, which was attributed to Israel.
Reportedly air defense systems engaged and destroyed three drones over Isfahan shortly after midnight. As described by the Senior army commander Siavosh Mihandoust that incident as targeting a “suspicious object.”
In response to the attack, Iran temporarily closed several airports, including those in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan. Flights in the western portion of Iranian airspace were also suspended for a brief period. However, operations resumed after a few hours.