Israeli missile hits Iran, US officials say, as blasts heard

The blog section's photographs come from Getty Images.

There have been reports of explosions in the province of Isfahan in central Iran (as seen in a previously taken photo).

US officials have reported to CBS News, a partner of BBC, that a missile launched by Israeli forces has struck Iran.

Explosions were detected within the Isfahan province, but the specific target remains unknown.

Iran is currently on a state of heightened vigilance following Israel's announcement that it will retaliate if ever faced with an Iranian assault on the night of Saturday.

In an unprecedented move, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, marking the first direct assault between the two nations after years of covert conflict.

The media in Iran has not disclosed any direct repercussions following the Israeli military attack that took place on Friday. Also, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the organization responsible for overseeing nuclear activities worldwide, has confirmed that no nuclear facilities were impaired.

Israeli authorities have not provided any official statement on this matter.

The world is paying close attention to Iran's nuclear facilities as Israel and Western nations have long suspected Iran of developing nuclear weapons in secret. Israel has promised to put an end to it through any means possible. On the other hand, Iran argues that its nuclear project is solely for peaceful purposes.

The region of Isfahan holds various nuclear establishments, an expansive airbase, and a significant missile manufacturing center.

According to Fars News Agency, which is connected to the IRGC, there were reports of explosions in the area around Isfahan International Airport and a military facility in Isfahan city. This caused the activation of local air defence systems.

A post on BBC Persian's Instagram account displays a video captured in Isfahan, showcasing vivid orange flashes in the sky at nighttime, along with audible bursts of sound that resemble anti-aircraft fire.

According to BBC reporters, the strike seems to be small, indicating that it was meant to convey a warning to the Iranian government that Israeli weapons can penetrate deep into their country rather than causing harm.

Iran's response was not as strong as expected, with some officials going as far as denying any attack happened. This suggests that Iran is concerned about maintaining a positive image and appearing powerful.

Last Friday, there was a strike that occurred following Iran's response to an Israeli air strike on their consulate building in Syria. This retaliation happened six days after the initial attack on April 1st, wherein two high-ranking generals were killed. One of those generals was Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who was supposedly the head of Iran's military operations in both Syria and Lebanon. These regions have seen pro-Iranian forces launching attacks on Israel.

The Israeli military has announced that they were able to intercept nearly all of the government-issued drones and missiles from Iran. With the aid of US, UK and various other allies, the Israeli air defences were successful in doing so.

Numerous missiles that were fired impacted an airbase situated in the Negev desert. The sole recorded casualty was a young Bedouin girl who sustained severe injuries following the raining down of fragments.

Iran indicated later that it was not interested in more escalation.

Iranian officials have recently issued a caution that an assault by Israel on their country would provoke an immediate reaction. Various individuals and groups at a global level have made efforts to decrease the intensity of the situation by urging self-control.

Last Thursday, António Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, stated that there has been a dangerous increase in tension between Israel and Iran.

He informed the Security Council that a disastrous regional conflict could occur if there was a miscalculation, miscommunication or mistake. The outcome would be terrible for everyone concerned.

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