Isfahan: A city steeped in history - and home to Iranian nuclear facilities
Israel has launched an attack on Isfahan as a response to the missiles and drones that Iran unleashed over the weekend.
The assault, as more information is still being uncovered, happened at the same time as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's top leader, was celebrating his birthday.
Up to this point, there haven't been any accounts of harm or deaths.
Have you ever heard of Isfahan? It's the third largest city in Iran and Sky News decided to explore what makes it so important.
Stay updated: Tehran is not currently intending to respond right away.
In the past, it used to be the central city of Persia.
Isfahan became the capital of Persia in 1598 due to its strategic location at the crossroads of the main routes running north-south and east-west through modern-day Iran.
Currently, the place still holds on to a lot of its past and is well-known for its Islamic design, which includes extravagant mosques with ornamental tiles and distinctively shaped minarets.
Approximately 2.2 million individuals reside in this area.
UNESCO recognized the vast Naqsh-e Jahan Square located in the city as a World Heritage Site.
The area also contains a military airport where Iran has kept their collection of F-14 Tomcat fighter planes, which were acquired prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
How is Isfahan linked to Iran's nuclear program?
Iran's studies on nuclear energy have always been an issue of disagreement with countries in the West. They are concerned that Iran might have the intention to create atomic weapons.
Israel has promised that Iran will never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently refused claims that they are planning to create a nuclear weapon.
Nuclear establishments can be found in different parts of the nation, including in the vicinity of Isfahan.
The Isfahan site runs a total of three research reactors supplied by China that are of a smaller size. It's also responsible for carrying out fuel production and various other tasks pertaining to Iran's non-military nuclear program.
Additionally, there's the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, which can be found in the surrounding area of the province, but not situated within the city limits.
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What occurred in the urban area during the Israeli attack?
We are still gathering information about the recent attack made by Israel against Iran and its effects on Isfahan.
A number of regions within Iran got their air defences triggered. This included a major military airbase as well as nuclear establishments located in the vicinity of Isfahan, where official sources have stated that three drones were brought down.
According to Iranian state TV, the nuclear facilities located close to the city were secure and out of harm's way.
The International Atomic Energy Agency, which is responsible for monitoring nuclear activity, stated that there was no harm caused by the explosion. Nevertheless, the agency is keeping a close eye on the situation and urging everyone to exercise great caution.
The way Iran has reacted to the Israeli strike reveals a lot. Israel's recent attack on Iran casts a negative light on Biden. It seems that Israel deliberately considered their reaction.
As per the statement of the military expert of Sky News, Michael Clarke, targeting Isfahan would be a logical decision as it houses one of the nuclear sites which are least sensitive.
According to him, the facility is a research center where about 3,000 scientists work. He also mentioned that there is no proof that the attack was aimed directly at the nuclear facility.
The idea that Isfahan is heavily involved in nuclear activities holds great significance and symbolism, according to my understanding. It suggests that if the Israelis are demonstrating their willingness to target these locations, they are not intimidated by the potential repercussions.
