Iran’s state-backed media, FARS, reported that nuclear sites in Isfahan are safe despite an Israeli strike on the country, debunking foreign news agencies’ incorrect reports. Isfahan, located in central Iran, has previously been the target of attacks, including a strike on a military factory last year. The news agency is aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and assured the public of the safety of the nuclear facilities.
The weekend strike by Iran on Israel marked the country’s first direct military assault against Israel. The U.S. was not involved in the Israeli strike in Iran, according to a source familiar with the situation. Israel had pre-notified the U.S. about the strike but there was no direct U.S. involvement in the incident. There was no comment from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office regarding the reported strike, and the Israel Defense Forces spokesman’s office did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Flights in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz were suspended on Friday morning, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, amid reports of a possible strike in the country. Passengers were advised to check flight information before leaving the airports, but flights had not been canceled outright. Separately, a source informed NBC News that Israel had carried out an operation in Iran on the same night as the strike.
Despite Iran’s attack on Israel, President Joe Biden assured Israeli leaders of the U.S.’s commitment to defending Israel but stated that the U.S. would not participate in offensive operations against Iran. U.S. officials expressed concerns about Israel’s rapid response and the potential consequences of further military action. Iran’s foreign minister warned of a response to any force used against the country, stating that Iran would not hesitate to assert its right to retaliate against any future Israeli attacks.
Iran’s foreign minister specifically referenced Iran’s attack on Israel, which was in response to an earlier attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria. The minister stated that Iran’s actions were a legitimate defense measure and that further military adventurism by Israel would not be tolerated. The Iranian attack, carried out through drones and missiles, resulted in casualties on both sides, including the death of two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders and five other members. The minister emphasized Iran’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and responding decisively to future threats from Israel.
