Israel have launched a retaliatory attack against Iran overnight, with explosions heard near a major military airbase.
Tehran were forced to activate their air defence system above the city of Isfahan, which is also home to sites associated with Iran’s nuclear programme. However, there was no damage to the nuclear sites, said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
It remained unclear if the country was under attack, as no Iranian official directly acknowledged the possibility and Israel’s military did not immediately respond to The Independent’s request for a comment.
It is understood the US received advanced warning of the attack, with White House officials closely monitoring the situation.
Iranian state media said that air defence batteries had been fired across several provinces, with three drones destroyed. It did not elaborate on what caused the batteries to fire, though people across the area reported hearing the sounds of explosion.
Before the strikes, Iran had vowed to retaliate immediately if hit and at a “maximum level”.
Dubai-based carriers Emirates and FlyDubai began diverting their flights around western Iran about 4.30am local time, with commercial flights later grounded in Tehran.
Government recognises Israel ‘has a right to defend itself’, says cabinet minister
The Government recognises Israel’s right to defend itself while pushing for de-escalation in the region, a Cabinet minister has said amid reports Israel has carried out an attack on Iran.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride told Times Radio: “I think what we should say first and foremost, of course, is this is an evolving situation. These are unconfirmed reports as at the moment.
“But where we are as a Government is recognising very clearly that Israel has a right to defend itself. Indeed we joined in with others in doing exactly that when Iran made that a very significant attack on Israel at the weekend.
“At the same time though, we are pressing our Israeli allies and others in the region to really work hard towards de-escalation. So that is the important message that we have at the moment, but obviously, we need to wait to see how events unfold and exactly what has happened.
“I know the Foreign Secretary is speaking with his G7 counterparts in Italy as we speak, and of course, they will be focused on exactly that, and the importance of de-escalating tensions in the region.”
Holly Evans19 April 2024 07:35
Blasts of light and explosions over Isfahan in Iran in suspected Israel missile attack
Holly Evans19 April 2024 07:29
UK minister hopes de-escalation still possible whatever has happened in Iran
Britain’s Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said he hoped that de-escalation between Israel and Iran was still possible, responding to reports Israel had launched an attack on Iranian soil on Friday.
“Whilst we don’t know the details at the moment, my hope is that whatever has happened is of a nature where de-escalation can now be the way forward,” Stride told GB News on Friday.
Holly Evans19 April 2024 07:16
US embassy in Israel imposes travel ban for families and staff
The US embassy in Israel has imposed travel restrictions on its employees after news emerged that Israel had struck Iran overnight.
An advisory read: “Out of an abundance of caution following reports that Israel conducted a retaliatory strike inside Iran, US government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Beersheva areas until further notice.”
Holly Evans19 April 2024 07:10
IAEA confirms no damage made to Iran’s nuclear sites
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed there was no damage to Iran’s nuclear sites in an alleged attack by Israel on Iran.
The agency continues to monitor the situation very closely and calls for extreme restraint from all sides, stressing that nuclear facilities should never be a target in military conflicts, it said in an X post.
Namita Singh19 April 2024 07:01
Could conflict between Israel and Iran trigger a third world war?
Alexander Butler19 April 2024 07:00
Ambrey: Ships transiting Arabian Gulf, Western Indian Ocean should stay alert
British security firm Ambrey said today merchant vessels transiting “the Arabian Gulf and Western Indian Ocean” were advised to stay alert in case of increased uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) activity in the region.
Namita Singh19 April 2024 06:41
In video: Iranian state television reports explosions
Namita Singh19 April 2024 06:40
Oil prices jump to $90 amid reports of explosion over Isfahan
Global benchmark Brent surged oil prices to $90 a barrel amid reports of explosion over Isfahan, according to Bloomberg.“
Depending on the nature of strikes, we are moving closer toward a scenario where supply risks become a reality,” Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING Groep NV in Singapore told the outlet. “The market will likely have to start pricing in an even larger risk premium.”
Namita Singh19 April 2024 06:19
US and UK issue new sanctions on Iran in response to Tehran’s weekend attack on Israel
Alexander Butler19 April 2024 06:00
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
