Israel has reportedly launched an attack on Iran, following a retaliatory drone strike by Iran on Israel. The U.S. was not involved in the attack, but was notified by Israel beforehand. Iranian state media reported three explosions near an army base in Isfahan, but an official stated that there was no missile attack and the explosions were caused by Iran’s air defense systems destroying drones in the sky. The situation in Isfahan was later reported as normal, with no ground explosions occurring.
The Israeli military has not commented on the reports of the attack, but had previously stated that they would retaliate against Iran’s weekend attack on their embassy compound in Syria. Analysts and observers have expressed concerns about the Israel-Gaza conflict spreading throughout the region. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had warned Israel of a severe response to any attack on Iranian territory. Iran has also warned the United Nations Security Council about Israel’s military actions, while the U.N. secretary-general has cautioned that the Middle East is facing a moment of maximum peril.
Following the reports of the attack, Asian shares and bond yields fell while safe-haven assets such as gold and crude oil saw an increase in value. Iran’s nuclear facilities, which have been a point of contention with the West over suspicions of developing nuclear weapons, were reported to be unharmed. The Natanz nuclear site, located in Isfahan province, was said to be unaffected by the attack. Flights in and out of Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan were temporarily suspended, with some flights rerouting or being forced to return to their origin due to the airspace closure.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is further complicated by Iran-backed groups declaring support for Palestinians and launching attacks from various regions, including Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. The escalation in tensions in the region has caused concern among countries and international organizations, with the U.N. secretary-general warning of a dangerous situation in the Middle East. The attack by Israel on Iran highlights the volatile and precarious situation in the region, with potential consequences for global markets and geopolitical stability. The impact of the conflict on neighboring countries and the possibility of further escalation are key concerns for international observers and policymakers.
