Israeli missiles struck a location in Iran late Thursday, following Iran’s recent drone strike on Israel. Iranian state media reported an explosion in the country’s center, with commercial flights altering their routes over western Iran early Friday.
Reports from Iran indicated “explosions” heard over Isfahan, prompting flights over Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran to be suspended. Iranian officials confirmed the downing of several drones by air defenses but stated no missile attack had occurred thus far.
Iran’s air defense batteries were activated across multiple provinces, responding to reports of explosions near Isfahan. The Shekari army airbase near Isfahan reportedly experienced three explosions, while nuclear facilities in Isfahan were declared “completely secure” by local media sources.
Israel had vowed retaliation for Iran’s drone and missile attack, launched in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria. Most Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory.
Isfahan, home to significant nuclear sites including Natanz, stands approximately 350 kilometers south of Tehran and hosts a major Iranian military air base.
In Iraq, where numerous Iranian-supported militias are stationed, residents in Baghdad reported hearing explosions, although the exact source of the blasts remained unclear.
Meanwhile, in Syria, a local activist group reported strikes hitting a Syrian army position in the southern part of the country on Friday.
Rayan Maarouf, who oversees the Suwayda24 website covering news from Sweida province in the south, stated, “There were strikes on a Syrian army radar position.”
Over the past years, Israeli airstrikes have frequently targeted Iranian military positions in Syria. Earlier this month, an Israeli strike destroyed a consular building annex of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals, including two Iranian Revolutionary Guards generals. This incident led to Iran’s missile and drone attack on Israel on April 13.
During a United Nations Security Council meeting on Thursday, Iran called on member nations to compel Israel to cease any further military actions against its interests. UN Secretary-General also cautioned that the Middle East was facing a “moment of maximum peril.”
Israel had previously stated its intention to retaliate against Iran’s April 13 missile and drone strike.
Concerns have been raised by analysts and observers regarding the potential escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict spreading to other parts of the region.
Reports of the Israeli strike caused oil prices to surge, with Brent crude futures rising by 2 percent to $88.86 a barrel. The dollar also saw gains, while gold prices increased by 1 percent and S&P 500 futures dropped by 1 percent.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza began after the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas initiated an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has led to significant casualties, according to the local health ministry, with Iran-backed groups showing solidarity with Palestinians and launching attacks from Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq.
