* US authorities have verified that Israel has conducted military maneuvers against Iran. These officials stated that Israel notified the Biden administration earlier on Thursday of an imminent strike within the next 24 to 48 hours. As per CNN reports, Israeli representatives assured their American counterparts that Iran's nuclear installations would not be the focus of the attack.
1. US authorities have verified Israel's engagement in military actions against Iran. They indicated that Israel forewarned the Biden administration on Thursday that a strike was imminent within the next 24 to 48 hours. According to CNN, Israeli officials assured their US counterparts that Iran's nuclear facilities would not be the target.
2. Iranian state media relayed that air defense systems were activated following reports of explosions near a significant airbase close to Isfahan. The Iranian government seemed to downplay the extent of the attack, with a senior commander in Iran’s army asserting via state TV that there was no damage in Isfahan.
3. Isfahan hosts sites linked to Iran’s nuclear program, including the underground Natanz enrichment facility. State television affirmed all sites in the vicinity as "fully secure," and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no harm to any nuclear sites.
4. The airbase near Isfahan has historically housed Iran’s fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcats, acquired prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
5. Airports in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan were shut down, with flights redirected from the western part of Iran, as reported by FlightRadar24. Local aviation warnings indicated airspace restrictions. Some airports lifted restrictions by 8 am local time, per Iranian media. FlyDubai, based in the UAE, canceled all flights to Iran’s capital on Friday.
6. Tensions persist in the region after Iran launched numerous drones and cruise missiles towards Israel on Saturday, marking Iran's first direct assault on the country. This followed the 1 April strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus, which killed a senior Revolutionary Guards figure and eight other officers.
7. Iran’s foreign minister cautioned CNN on Thursday that if Israel opted for retaliation, Tehran's response would be swift. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated, "If the Israeli regime repeats this grave mistake, our reaction will be resolute, conclusive, and regrettable for them."
8. Nonetheless, a senior Iranian official informed Reuters on Friday that Iran had no immediate plans for retaliation against Israel. "The external source of the incident remains unconfirmed. We haven't encountered any external assault, and the speculation leans more towards infiltration than attack," the official said anonymously.
9. During the G7 foreign ministers meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken refrained from discussing whether the US was aware of Israel's plans to strike Iran. He affirmed, "The United States has not participated in any offensive operations." Blinken also emphasized Washington's commitment to defusing tensions in the region.
