Iran Reports Downing Three Drones Amid Explosions in Isfahan

In a statement by Iran's air defense forces, it was announced that three diminutive drones were neutralized over Isfahan, a central city in Iran. This declaration came several hours after American media outlets reported that Israeli missiles targeted an establishment within Iran.

These statements were attributed to high-ranking American officials.

Explosions were heard in Isfahan, as confirmed by Iranian national TV, following the activation of air defenses. Concurrently, flight operations in various regions, including Tehran and Isfahan, faced temporary suspension.

The airspace was made accessible roughly four and a half hours subsequent to the event, with no injury reports emerging.

Al Jazeera was informed by a prominent military figure in Isfahan, Second Brigadier General Siavash Mihandoust, through state broadcasting channels, that the air defense mechanisms engaged with "a dubious object," resulting in no destruction.

In an earlier report by ABC News, which cited a senior official from the US, it was disclosed that Israel had launched missile strikes on an Iranian location. Similar revelations were made by CBS News regarding an Israeli assault.

It was covered in Iranian press that the assault wasn't initiated from outside the nation but was speculated to have been executed using compact quadcopters, implying these were deployed from within Iran's borders.

Dorsa Jabbari, covering the event from Tehran for AlJazeera, noted the Iranian media's attempt to minimize the incident's severity.

She highlighted, “The site in Isfahan province is an airbase utilized by Iran's army, distinct from the Revolutionary Guards [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC]. It's crucial to underline this aspect.” She added, “This base is where several F-14 Tomcat fighter jet squadrons are stationed.”

Jabbari also unveiled that air defense systems were activated over Tabriz, situated in Iran's northwestern part.

A military establishment owned by the Iranian army in Isfahan was targeted by multiple quadcopters in January 2023, which managed to escape damage, protected by air defense systems and protective mesh atop its infrastructure designed to deter small drones.

Following this event, Iran accused Israel and consequently detained four individuals, proceeding to execute one in January 2024 for allegedly collaborating with Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency.

In retaliation, Iran launched a comprehensive attack on Israel using drones and missiles on April 13, which were largely intercepted. The motive behind Iran's aggression was cited as retaliation for a presumed Israeli assault on its consulate in Syria, resulting in the death of seven individuals, including two esteemed IRGC generals.

Nevertheless, Israel promised a counter-response to Iran's aggression, despite the United States cautioning against such actions.

Isfahan is recognized for its strategic value, housing numerous pivotal sites like military R&D centers and bases. Close to Isfahan lies Natanz, where one of Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities is situated.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assured that Iranian nuclear sites remained undamaged after the reported assault, as Rafael Grossi, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, advocated for calm and stressed that nuclear facilities should never become targets in armed conflicts.

Ali Ahmadi, an Iranian expert on arms control, commented that the attack was "significantly more restrained than many had anticipated," suggesting that Israel faces more operational constraints than is commonly believed.