Israel Stays Silent as Conflict with Iran Raises Concerns of War in West Asia

The Israel authorities have not confirmed a strike on a military site, but US media has quoted officials saying that Israel had carried out retaliatory strikes. Iran’s space agency spokesperson stated that drones had been shot down and there had been “no missile attack for now”.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed there is “no damage” to Iran’s nuclear sites. Iran’s Tasnim news agency also reported that nuclear facilities in Isfahan are “completely secure”.

A New York Times report quoted Iranian officials as saying that the strike had hit a military air base near Isfahan. The attack has caused flights to Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz to be suspended, and UAE-based flydubai airline cancelled flights to the country.

However, two Tehran airports later resumed service. Reports indicated that commercial flights were avoiding western Iran, including Isfahan.

Iranian television showed normal traffic conditions at a roundabout in Isfahan, and Iranian TV reported complete security and peace at the Isfahan nuclear site. The strike also coincided with the 85th birthday of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini.

Flights to Iran were suspended, but some airports later resumed service. An explosion was heard in Isfahan, and a senior army official in the province confirmed that it was due to the firing of anti-aircraft weapons targeting “suspicious objects”.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that it would attack Israel’s nuclear sites and pursue a nuclear weapon if Israel strikes at Iran’s nuclear facilities. Israeli military declined to comment, and the White House and Pentagon have also not made any statement.

US reports have said that Washington received advance notice of the strike, but did not play any part in its execution. Israel’s limited response may provide Iran with strategic deniability, but if Israel claims responsibility, the focus will shift to Iran’s response.

The situation is closely watched by the world as tensions in the region escalate, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning of the potential for a full-scale regional conflict.