Israel Launches Strike Against Iran, Tehran Activates Air Defence Over Several Cities: Report
Israel Launches Strike Against Iran: Reports from Iranian state TV indicated that three explosions were heard near the city of Isfahan in central Iran in the early hours of Friday morning local time.
Iran’s state television on Friday morning said that “big explosions” reported near the central city of Isfahan, news agency AFP reported. The report further stated the suspension of flights over Tehran and other major cities in Iran. However, US media have suggested that Israel’s involvement in the incident.
The exact cause of the explosions remains uncertain, with state media stating, “News sources are reporting hearing of big explosions in Isfahan province”. Mehr news agency also confirmed the suspension of flights to Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz, alongside the closure of airports in several other regions across Iran.
Notably, several Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, are located in Isfahan province, serving as the focal point of Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
#BREAKING Israel launches strike against Iran: US TV network pic.twitter.com/soMatWzjy5
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 19, 2024
#BREAKING Iran media says three explosions were heard near airbase in Isfahan pic.twitter.com/ylq6Yy8ZhT
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 19, 2024
While Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement in the incident, tensions between the two nations have escalated following a missile and drone attack on Israel, prompting threats of retaliation. This came after Iran had launched a drone strike on Israel in response to an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
Earlier on Thursday, Tehran told the United Nations Security Council that Tel Aviv "must be compelled to stop any further military adventurism against our interests" as the UN secretary-general warned that the Middle East was in a "moment of maximum peril," news agency Reuters reported.
As per the report, Israel vowed to retaliate against Iran's April 13 missile and drone attack. Israel's attack on Gaza began after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 persons. Israel's military offensive has killed over 33,000 Palestinians in Gaza, as per media reports citing the local health ministry. Iran-backed groups have declared support for Palestinians, launching attacks from Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq.
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