KUALA LUMPUR – US officials have confirmed an Israeli missile attack on Iran as tensions between both Middle Eastern nations escalated dramatically over the past week.
This strike comes in the aftermath of last weekend’s retaliatory drone and missile assault on Israel, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a response.
The recent tit-for-tat strikes underscore the deepening tensions between Israel and Iran, sparking concerns about a wider regional conflict.
Details surrounding the Israeli strike remain shrouded in secrecy, with officials refraining from disclosing the location or extent of the attack. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) declined to comment, according to CBS.
Both Fars and Tasnim news agencies in Iran reported hearing blasts in parts of the country without revealing a cause, while state television issued an on-screen alert acknowledging the “loud noise” near Isfahan but provided no immediate elaboration.
Notably, Isfahan hosts a significant airbase for the Iranian military and facilities linked to its nuclear programme.
In response to escalating tensions, Dubai-based carriers Emirates and FlyDubai began diverting flights away from western Iran early in the morning, though no official explanation was provided.
Iran subsequently announced the suspension of commercial flights in Tehran and surrounding regions, with reports emerging of announcements made to passengers at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport.
The recent flare-up follows Iran’s unprecedented retaliatory strike against Israel, which involved 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, according to statements from the IDF and US officials.
While none of the drones breached Israeli airspace before being intercepted, five ballistic missiles reportedly struck Israel, with four targeting the Nevatim Air Base, home to Israeli F-35 aircraft.
In response to Iran’s initial attack, US President Joe Biden urged Netanyahu to consider the broader implications of any retaliatory action, emphasising regional stability.
Meanwhile, CNN reported Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s warning that any further Israeli military action against Iran would be met with an “immediate and maximum level” response.
Explosion reports near Isfahan have added to the uncertainty, with the cause yet to be determined at press time.
Dubai’s Flydubai airline cancelled flights to Iran today after receiving an official alert, a statement said.
“In line with the issued Notam (notice to air missions), our flights to Iran today have been cancelled,” said the statement.
Meanwhile, Tehran’s two major airports resumed flights today, state media reported, following a brief suspension after explosions were heard in central Iran.
“Flights through Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports have resumed.” – April 19, 2024