Two US officials have announced that Israel has launched a retaliatory attack against Iran. This response comes less than a week after Iran’s drone and missile attack. There are growing concerns about the spread of conflict in the Middle East.
An explosion was heard in the central Iranian city of Isfahan on the morning of the 19th, the country’s Fars news agency reported. Iranian state television said the nuclear facility in Isfahan is completely safe.
Fals said the details of the explosion were not known. However, Isfahan is believed to have been one of the bases from which Iran launched drones and missiles during its attack on Israel on the 13th. Iran has regularly accused Israel of attacks and sabotage against nuclear and military facilities, including Isfahan, which is home to important nuclear enrichment and missile facilities.
Israeli officials have notified the United States on the 18th that they plan to retaliate within the next 24 to 48 hours, two U.S. officials said on condition of anonymity because the conversations were private. Spokespeople for the National Security Council (NSC) and the Department of Defense declined to comment.
According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, flights were suspended at airports in Isfahan, Tehran, Shiraz and along the country’s western border.
Explosions Heard in Isfahan in Central Iran
Pentagon Spokesman Michael Rider said in a statement before the attack was reported that U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin had consulted with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant on the 18th.
Ryder said the two men discussed “regional threats and Iran’s destabilizing actions in the Middle East.” The statement did not say whether Defense Secretary Gallant had given Mr. Austin any warning about a retaliatory attack.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abdollahian said in an interview with CNN on the night of the 18th, “If the Israeli regime again embarks on adventurism and acts against Iran’s national interests, the next response from our country will be immediate and of the highest level.” I guess so.”
Original title:Israel Launches Retaliatory Strike on Iran, US Officials Say (1)(excerpt)