Reported Strikes From Israel on Isfahan, With No Iranian Retaliation

Written by Jillian Shaw | April 22, 2024

IDF Arrow Missile Test

Early Friday morning, a missile strike hit Isfahan, Iran, reportedly sent by Israel. Three explosions were heard near central Isfahan, which is home to an army and airforce base, as well as missile and nuclear production facilities. This strike is the newest in the recent series of attacks between Iran and Israel, following an unprecedented attack on Israel by Iran last week on April 13th. Despite the high tensions, the subtlety of this strike and the Iranian response seem to be stopping further escalation.

According to U.S. sources, the Biden administration was informed on Thursday about the planned strike. Secretary of state Anthony Blinken reportedly disapproved of the choice and later stated that the U.S. would not be involved in any Israeli offensives. Neither the Israeli government nor military have commented on the strike. BBC News sources have reviewed imagery of the missile wreckage and confirmed that the missile was a two-stage air-launched missile, appearing similar to the Israeli Blue Sparrow missiles.

Iranian state news and associated news outlets reported that the explosions were caused by Iranian air defense systems shooting at a “suspicious object,” but that it caused no damages or casualties. A representative of the Iranian National Centre of Cyberspace, Hosein Dalirian, stated that no attack on Iran had been successfully made, but rather that it was a drone “attempt” by unidentified foreign entities. Another Iranian official told Reuters that there are no plans to retaliate or respond further. Additionally, due to the proximity of nuclear facilities in Isfahan, the International Atomic Energy Agency has also confirmed that no nuclear compounds were damaged. 

This is a developing story and may be updated.