Explosion in Iran, No Reports of Missile Attack Yet

An explosion occurred in Isfahan, but the cause is not yet known. The Iranian military prepared and shot down three drones.

AFP/GIL COHEN-MAGEN

Israeli military personnel stand next to an Iranian ballistic missile that fell in Israel, near the city of Kiryat Malachi, Israel, on April 16, 2024.

TEHERAN, FRIDAY — Loud explosions were heard in the city of Isfahan, Iran. It is not yet clear what caused the explosion. An Iranian official, to the Reuters news agency, Friday (19/4/2024), said that so far no missiles had entered Iranian territory. Neither the Iranian nor Israeli governments have issued an official statement regarding this incident.

The official stated that the explosion was heard because Iran activated its air defense system. The Iranian news agency, IRNA, mentioned that to be prepared, the Iranian military has activated air defense systems in several cities.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Iran's space agency, Hossein Dalirian, on social media X said that Iran shot down a number of drones after explosions were heard near the city of Isfahan. The Fars news agency said "three explosions" were heard near the Shekari military base, near Isfahan.

Iran's government-owned television station reported that Iran's nuclear facilities in Isfahan remain safe. Isfahan is located about 350 kilometers from the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Also read: Iran and Israel continue to threaten each other with retaliatory attacks

AP PHOTO/VAHID SALEMI

Missile was transported by truck during the Military Day parade at a military base in Tehran, Iran, on April 17, 2024. In the parade, President Ebrahim Raisi warned that even the "smallest invasion" by Israel would have significant consequences.

Several international commercial flights have redirected their routes away from Iranian airspace, including Emirates and FlyDubai airlines. Mehr news agency also reported that Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport has been closed. Flight routes to Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz have been suspended.

The ABC News site first reported the incident on Thursday (18/4/2024) evening local time after receiving information from a United States official. Iran's Fars news agency and Iranian television stations reported the sound of explosions in Isfahan, the city that is home to Iran's military major airbase and its nuclear program.

Also read: Israel Withdraws Some Troops from South Gaza, Media-Observer: That's a Tactic

The sound of the explosion in Iran followed an attack by at least 300 Iranian missiles and drones on Israel on April 13. This attack was a response after Israel allegedly attacked the Iranian Embassy complex in Syria. The majority of Iran's missiles and drones were shot down by Israel before they reached Israeli territory.

In front of the United Nations Security Council, Iran stated that Israel must be forced to stop its military operations in Gaza. Israel has declared that it will retaliate against Iran's attack. Israel was reportedly considering attacking Iran, but there have been no further developments.

AFP/MENAHEM KAHANA

Israel's Iron Dome air defense system battery was alerted near Jerusalem, Monday (15/4/2024).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to retaliate. However, the United States called on Israel to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation or wider impact on the war.

Also read: Iran attacks Israel, conflict is feared to spread

The public broadcasting station in Israel, Kan, reported that after discussions with US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu decided not to proceed with the previously arranged plan for a retaliatory attack on Iran in the event of an attack. "Diplomatic sensitivity played a role," said a senior Israeli official who wished to remain anonymous.

A source told ABC that Israel had discussed options for attacking Iran through cyber attacks or attacking Iranian proxies in other regions.

In a meeting of the Israeli war cabinet on Monday, Israeli officials considered giving permission to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to attack Iran. However, due to operational reasons, it was decided not to proceed.

AFP/ROBYN BECK

Demonstrators unfurled banners reading "No War Against Iran" as they held a rally calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Los Angeles, California, United States on Monday (April 15, 2024).

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel has the right to protect itself after the Iranian attack. After getting all kinds of suggestions and advice from his allies, Netanyahu said Israel itself would decide how to respond to the attack. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned of any Israeli counterattack.

Also read: Iran Attacks Israel with Hundreds of Drones

Meanwhile, the US has stated that it will not interfere in any attack on Iran. The US has threatened to impose stricter sanctions on Iran's missile and drone programs, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran's Ministry of Defense. (REUTERS/AFP/AP)