Iran intercepts three Israeli drones over the central city of Isfahan

According to Iranian state media, three Israeli drones were intercepted and brought down by the country’s air defenses over the central city of Isfahan. This incident occurred shortly after reports from US broadcasters, citing senior US officials, claimed that Israeli missiles had struck an Iranian site.

Explosions were reported in Isfahan, with air defenses activated and flights suspended across multiple areas, including Tehran and Isfahan itself.

However, airspace was reopened approximately four and a half hours later, and there were no reports of casualties.

Iranian state television stated that around 12:30 AM GMT, three drones were spotted in the sky over Isfahan. Air defense systems were activated, resulting in the destruction of the drones.

Earlier reports from ABC News, citing a senior US official, suggested that Israel had launched missiles targeting a site in Iran. CBS News also reported on the Israeli attack.

Israel had vowed to retaliate following Iran’s launch of drones and missiles on the country the previous Saturday, which was allegedly in response to a suspected Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate compound in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of two senior generals.

Hossein Dalirian, spokesman for Iran’s space agency, confirmed that several drones had been successfully shot down. He stated on the social media platform X that there were no reports of a missile attack at that time.

Isfahan holds strategic significance, hosting various important sites such as military research and development facilities and bases. Nearby Natanz is known for housing one of Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites.

However, reports from Iran’s Tasnim news agency, citing “reliable sources,” indicated that nuclear facilities in Isfahan remained “completely secure.”