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Israel has launched a retaliatory attack against Iran overnight, with explosions heard near a major military airbase.
Tehran was 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).
The UK government has urged de-escalation and moderation in the Middle East, while accepting Israel’s “absolute right to defend itself”.
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”.
Key Points
- Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
- UK government urges de-escalation as Israel launches attack on Iran
- ‘Material losses’ reported in Syria, state-run media says
- Iran's nuclear facilities remain unharmed, state TV says
- Flights diverted from western Iran
G7 foreign ministers' communique warns of new sanctions on Iran and urges de-escalation
G7 foreign ministers' communique warns of new sanctions on Iran and urges de-escalation
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict
Alexander Butler19 April 2024 11:51 1713522342Western states sought to send de-escalation messages to Iran via Turkey, diplomat says
Western states have sought to send Iran messages via Turkey in recent days to reiterate appeals for de-escalation, a Western diplomat said on Friday.
The messages were conveyed before reported Israeli attacks on Iran early on Friday, after which Tehran indicated it had no plans for further retaliation.
After Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel over the weekend, Turkey’s foreign ministry confirmed contacts with Iran and the United States in a statement, saying Ankara had called for restraint and warned of a regional war if tensions escalated further.
“In recent days we have sought to send Iran messages via Turkey - particularly reiterating the message of de-escalation,” said a Western diplomat, when asked about messages carried to Tehran by Ankara.
Alexander Butler19 April 2024 11:25 1713521736Watch: State TV presenter claims 'everything is normal' in Iran amid Israeli strikes
Conflict is a ‘complicated chess game’, former UK ambassador to Iran says
The conflict between Iran and Israel is a “complicated chess game” and it is difficult to predict how Iran will respond, the former UK ambassador to Iran said.
Rob Macaire, former UK ambassador to Iran, told Sky News: “Both countries are really good at using ambiguity, and it maybe that the Israelis will not want to make it clear whether this is the sum total of their response of if there is more to come.”
Asked if there was more to come, he said: “I don’t know. I think there are some really difficult calculations going on in both capitals.
“They are using force to send messages, and both looking at domestic audiences, and regional audiences..... it is a very complicated chess game going on between them with very high stakes.”
Alexander Butler19 April 2024 11:10 1713520661Watch: Sunak calls for ‘calm heads’ to prevail after reports of Israel attack on Iran
For the West it’s a nuclear nightmare, but the Israel-Iran conflict is helping their leaders cling to power
How the Israel-Iran conflict is helping their leaders cling to power
Jack Straw was the first foreign secretary to visit Iran after the 1979 revolution and is used to negotiating with its leaders – even, on one occasion, from a train loo. Here, he explains why Netanyahu and Khamenei are throwing each other a lifeline to stay in power, and warns we could all pay a terrible price...
Alexander Butler19 April 2024 10:46 1713518638Rishi Sunak declines to speculate on attack
British prime minister Rishi Sunak said the attack was a developing situation and it wouldn’t be “right to speculate” on the situation
“It’s a developing situation, it wouldn’t be right for me to speculate until the facts become clearer and we’re working to confirm the details together with allies,” Mr Sunak said.
“Significant escalation is not in anyone’s interest. What we want to see is calm heads prevail across the region,” he added.
Pictured: Iranians walk past propaganda posters in Tehran
Pictured: Lord Cameron with G7 ministers
Everything we know about Israel’s strikes on Iran as explosions rock Isfahan
Everything we know about Israel’s strikes on Iran as explosions rock Isfahan
Two US officials claim an Israeli missile struck Iran near the city of Isfahan overnight - although Iran has downplayed reports as Israel remained silent
Alexander Butler19 April 2024 09:51 Newer1 / 5OlderDisclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
