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Isfahan holds significant importance for Iran, housing a major airbase for the Iranian military and sites linked to its nuclear program.
Israel-Iran War Updates: Iran’s air defenses were reportedly fired on Friday after explosions were heard near a major base in the city of Isfahan, raising concerns about a potential attack on the country. However, it remained unclear whether Iran was indeed under attack, as an Iranian official attributed the explosions to the activation of the country’s air defense systems. The official clarified that no missile attack had been launched within Iranian territory, as reported by Reuters. Senior commander of Iran’s Army, Siavosh Mihandoust, confirmed that the blast did not result in any damage. Isfahan province, where the base is located, is home to several of Iran’s crucial nuclear sites, including Natanz, which serves as the centerpiece of the nation’s uranium enrichment program.
Following the incident, airlines adjusted their flight paths over Iran, either diverting to alternate airports or returning to their departure sites due to the closure of Iranian airspace. However, by 0445 GMT, the airports and airspace had reopened, with closure notices removed from the US Federal Aviation Administration database.
The recent escalation comes in the wake of Tehran’s launch of over 300 drones and missiles towards Israeli territory on April 14 in retaliation for an Israeli attack on an Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. The earlier attack led to the tragic deaths of at least 13 individuals, including two prominent members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, further heightening tensions in the region.
