Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, explosions rocked the central province of Isfahan, according to reports from Iran’s state media. The blasts occurred as the Israeli air defense systems were activated over several Iranian cities, following earlier warnings from Israel of retaliatory strikes.
Iran’s official broadcaster reported hearing explosions near Isfahan, with Iran’s Fars news agency specifying that three explosions were heard near Qahjavarestan, close to Isfahan airport and the Shekari army airbase.
Additionally, Iran’s space agency spokesman, Hossein Dalirian, stated that several drones had been successfully shot down in the vicinity.
However, there were no reports of a missile attack, as confirmed by Dalirian on social media platform X. Furthermore, Iran’s official IRNA news agency stated that there was no major damage or large explosions resulting from any air threats.
Despite the turmoil, Iran assured that its nuclear facilities in Isfahan remained “completely secure,” as reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
ABC and CBS News cited US officials, indicating that the strikes were carried out by Israel in retaliation for Iran’s recent barrage of missiles and drones aimed at Israel over the weekend, most of which were intercepted. However, there was no immediate comment from the White House or Pentagon regarding the situation.
CNN reported that the target of the Israeli attack was not nuclear, quoting an unnamed official. Meanwhile, the Israeli military declined to comment on the matter when approached by AFP.