Israel launches missile attack on Iran near Isfahan province: reports

Israel launched a missile attack on an Iranian military base in the Isfahan province early morning on Friday, the US officials confirmed to the international media.

Prior to the attack, Israel warned the Biden administration earlier on Thursday about a potential strike in the next 24 to 48 hours.

CNN reported that Israeli officials assured their American counterparts that they would not target Iran's nuclear facilities. 

According to Iran’s state television, loud sounds of explosion were heard and three drones were intercepted near the city of Isfahan shortly after 4am local time. 

After the reported blasts, flights were diverted or suspended across Tehran and Isfahan. 

Iranian air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed these drones, as stated by the news agency.

However, Tel Aviv has maintained silence regarding the reported attacks and has refrained from commenting on the media updates.

The Iranian city of Isfahan houses key parts of the country's nuclear program, including the Natanz enrichment facility located underground.

While speaking to CNN on Thursday over Israel’s imminent attack, Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, “If the Israeli regime commits the great error once again, our response will be decisive, definitive and regretful for them.”

The military conflict between Iran and Israel escalated when the latter bombed the Islamic Republic's consulate in Damascus on April 1, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian officials.

The strike prompted Tehran to launch its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory with more than 300 missiles and drones on April 13.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said later on Monday that Iran’s attack “will be met with a response,” while IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said the force will do “all that is necessary to defend Israel and will do that at the time we choose.”

In addition to exploring military options, Israel is actively seeking diplomatic support from its allies to isolate Iran on the international stage. 

However, several countries have cautioned against further escalation, urging for restraint in the conflict.