Israel’s Attacks on Iran overnight on Friday
“US officials have reported that Israel launched a missile at Iran overnight on Friday. It seems to be a response to increasing tensions between the two countries in recent weeks.”
There are conflicting reports about the size of the attack on the Isfahan region and how much damage was caused, with Iranian state media suggesting it wasn’t significant.
This follows weeks of escalating tensions between the two rival nations. Israel had previously attacked an Iranian compound in Syria, while Iran had launched a notable assault against Israel.
Here’s what we currently know about the latest incident.
How do we know there has been a strike on Iran?
Israel typically doesn’t openly acknowledge its military operations, especially those targeting Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq.
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However, according to US officials who spoke to CBS News, an Israeli missile struck Iran early on Friday. Details regarding the type of weapons used and their launch location remain unclear.
While US sources indicate a missile was utilized, Iran claims the attack involved small drones.
Access to Iran is tightly controlled by its government. The NFL, lacking direct access to Isfahan’s central region where the incident occurred, relies on external reports for information.
What is Iran saying about Israel’s Attacks?
Some Iranian officials and media have acknowledged an attempted strike but are downplaying its significance. There are no reports of casualties.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported explosions near an army base with activated air defense systems.
A general in Isfahan stated that the explosions resulted from air defense engaging suspicious objects, claiming no damage.
Tasnim news agency, linked to Iran’s military, shared a video of an Isfahan nuclear facility showing no signs of damage.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no damage to Iran’s nuclear sites.
Hossein Dalirian, a spokesperson for Iran’s National Center of Cyberspace, denied any external air attack, stating that Israel attempted to use quadcopters (drones) but failed, with the drones being shot down.
Iran briefly restricted commercial flights after the strike but has since lifted the restrictions.
Explosions were also reported in Iraq and Syria overnight, where Iran-backed armed groups operate. However, it’s unclear if these incidents are directly connected to the strike in Isfahan.
The Syrian defense ministry reported that an Israeli missile struck a south Syrian air defense site early Friday morning. Israel hasn’t confirmed its involvement in this strike.
Why Israel targeted Isfahan province and why now?
Isfahan province, named after its largest city, encompasses a significant area in central Iran. It hosts key military infrastructure such as a large airbase, a major missile production complex, and several nuclear facilities.
Traditionally, Israel informs the US in advance of its military actions. However, Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, revealed at the G7 meeting in Capri that Washington was only informed at the last moment.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at the summit, declined to comment on the attack, stating that the US had not participated in any offensive operations.
This recent strike occurred shortly after Iran launched numerous missiles and drones at Israel, marking a significant escalation in tensions. Despite its scale, Iran’s attack was largely thwarted, with most projectiles intercepted by Israeli air defenses supported by the US, UK, and other allies.
The attack on Israeli territory was a response to a strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria on April 1st. While Israel hasn’t publicly acknowledged responsibility for that strike, it’s widely believed to be behind it.
Will this increase tensions in Israel’s Attacks on Iran?
The significance of the recent strike is still unfolding, and it’s uncertain if Iran will retaliate.
NFL’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner, described Friday’s attack as “limited, almost symbolic,” possibly aimed at preventing further escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from his generals and political allies regarding how to respond to Iran.
Israel faces significant international pressure, particularly from the US and its Western allies, to avoid actions that could escalate the ongoing proxy conflict into a confrontation.
This escalation occurs amid the backdrop of the conflict in Gaza, where the Israeli military is engaged in fighting with Hamas, an Iran-backed group.
What has the reaction in Israel and around the world been?
Responses from within Israel have underscored the country’s political rifts.
Ultranationalist Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the strike on Iran as “feeble” or “lame.”
In reaction, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called for Ben Gvir’s dismissal, stating that his comment had belittled and embarrassed Israel.
The UK government declined to speculate on the strike but urged Israel to avoid “significant escalation” while asserting its “right to self-defense.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged all parties to refrain from further action.
How has the world economy reacted after Israel’s Attacks on Iran?
There are worries that an escalating conflict in the Middle East could disrupt oil supplies.
Following the attack, Brent crude, the global standard for oil prices, increased by 1.8% to $88 a barrel.
Initially, oil prices surged by up to 3.5%, but they stabilized as it became evident that the strike was limited.
Gold, often considered a safe investment during uncertain times, briefly approached a record high before dropping back to nearly $2,400 per ounce.