In the early hours of Friday morning, Iran’s air defense systems were activated amidst reports of explosions near a major air base close to Isfahan. The incident followed Tehran’s recent drone-and-missile attack on the country, according to a U.S. official speaking to CNN.

Israeli Retaliation Amidst Rising Tensions

The United States was informed by Israel on Thursday about its intention to retaliate for the previous weekend’s assault, although the U.S. did not endorse the action. While no Iranian official directly acknowledged the strike, Iran’s state-run media hinted at possible drone targets.

Air Base Targeted

Reports indicated that air defense systems fired across several provinces, with particular focus on the Isfahan air base. Isfahan has long been home to Iran’s fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcats, purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The region also houses sites linked to Iran’s nuclear program, including the Natanz enrichment site.

Aviation Impact

Following the incident, airlines such as Emirates and FlyDubai diverted flights around western Iran, suggesting potential airspace closures. Iranian authorities later confirmed the grounding of commercial flights in Tehran and adjacent regions, but normal flight operations were restored shortly after.

Drone Activity and Regional Concerns

In the midst of the incident, reports emerged of small drones being shot down, fueling speculation about potential threats. Meanwhile, in Iraq, residents of Baghdad reported hearing explosions, raising concerns about regional stability. Additionally, the conflict has sparked worries about escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on shipping in the region.

Heightened Maritime Security

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center issued warnings to ships in the area, cautioning about increased drone activity in the skies. Despite the uptick in Houthi attacks on shipping, there are currently no indications that commercial vessels are being targeted directly.

Continuing Concerns

As tensions persist in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel, the recent events near Isfahan underscore the ongoing volatility in the region. With the potential for further escalation, stakeholders remain vigilant about ensuring regional security and stability.

Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.

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