Israel conducted an assault on Iranian territory on Friday, according to reports, marking the latest exchange of hostilities between the two long-standing adversaries. The ongoing shadow conflict between them has now escalated into the open, posing a risk of further regional destabilization.
Reports from Iranian media indicated explosions, but an Iranian official informed Reuters that these were a result of air defense systems. State media confirmed that three drones flying over Isfahan were intercepted and taken down.
Israel's government and military remained silent in the early hours of Friday. A senior Iranian official informed Reuters that Iran does not currently have plans for an immediate retaliatory strike, while state media initially responded with restraint to the incident.
Prior to Israel's attack, the United States was reportedly informed, as per a source familiar with the matter speaking to Reuters. This attack followed Iran's recent offensive against Israel, involving a combination of drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted.
Global powers, including Washington, had urged Israel to refrain from retaliation or to ensure that any response would be limited in order to prevent a wider escalation of violence. The recent surge in hostilities began with an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, which was attributed to Israel.
This incident occurred amidst Iran's backing of the Palestinian Hamas group, whose incursion into Israel on October 7 led to Israel's military intervention in Gaza. A senior Iranian official expressed skepticism regarding Israel's involvement in the recent attack, suggesting a possibility of infiltration rather than a direct assault.
According to an analyst on state TV, small drones operated by "infiltrators from within Iran" were targeted by air defenses in Isfahan. Iranian state TV reported that three drones were detected over Isfahan, prompting the activation of the air defense system which successfully neutralized the threat.
Senior army commander Siavosh Mihandoust stated on state TV that air defense systems had engaged a "suspicious object."
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had previously cautioned Israel about a potential severe response to any attacks on Iranian territory.
During Asia trade, shares and bond yields declined, while safe-haven currencies, gold, and crude oil prices rose. Brent futures saw a significant increase due to concerns about potential disruptions in Middle East supply.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that there was no damage to Iran's nuclear sites following the alleged attack by Israel. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful, while the West suspects it of aiming to develop nuclear weapons.
Following the attack, Iran temporarily closed airports in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan, as well as restricted flights in the western part of its airspace. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem advised caution and increased security awareness for U.S. citizens in the region.
Israel initiated its military operation in Gaza following an attack by Hamas Islamists on October 7th, resulting in the death of 1,200 individuals based on Israeli reports. The military offensive by Israel has led to the loss of more than 33,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, as reported by the Gazan health ministry.
Various groups supported by Iran have expressed solidarity with the Palestinians, carrying out assaults from Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. This has raised concerns that the conflict in Gaza could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
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