An Israeli missile reportedly struck Iran, according to US officials speaking to CBS News, a partner station of the BBC.
State media in Iran, as cited by Reuters, reported explosions in the central province of Isfahan, prompting the suspension of commercial flights over major cities like Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran. However, flights at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport later resumed, as confirmed by Iran’s official news agency, IRNA.
Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, attributed the “strong sounds” heard in various regions to the activation of air defense systems to counter unidentified mini-drones, citing “reliable sources.”
According to Iranian state TV, three drones were spotted over Isfahan around 12:30 GMT and were subsequently destroyed by the nation’s air defense system.
Following Israel’s declaration of retaliation against an Iranian attack on Saturday night, Iran remains on high alert, with several provinces activating their air defense systems, as reported by state news agency IRNA.
Iran’s National Center of Cyberspace spokesperson categorically denied any missile attack, stating on X, “There has been no air attack from outside borders to Isfahan or other parts of the country.”
An army general in Isfahan province, quoted by Iranian state media, claimed no reported damage, dismissing the Israeli action as a “failed and humiliating attempt” involving quadcopters, with the air defense firing at suspicious objects causing the loud sound in Isfahan. He asserted that no damage had occurred and that both quadcopters and drones had been shot down.
Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones in its first-ever direct strike on Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israeli air defenses with assistance from the US, UK, and other allies.
Iranian media assured the safety of all nuclear facilities and reported no direct effects. The Israeli army refrained from commenting.
Isfahan province hosts multiple nuclear sites, a significant air base, and a missile production facility.
Video footage shared by the BBC Persian Instagram account showed orange flashes in the Isfahan night sky accompanied by what seemed like bursts of anti-aircraft gunfire.
Iranian officials had recently warned of swift retaliation to any Israeli attack, prompting calls for moderation from the international community. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel as perilous.
