The US is urging for calm in the Middle East following reports of Israel’s strike on Iran. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made this call during a G7 meeting in Italy where he clarified that Washington was not involved in the offensive operation. According to two US officials, an Israeli missile hit Iran overnight, although the Israeli government has not officially responded to these claims.
Iranian state media have reported unconfirmed explosions in the central province of Isfahan, where there are several important facilities including an airbase, missile production complex, and nuclear sites. The global nuclear watchdog confirmed that no nuclear facilities were damaged in the reported attack.
Israel had vowed to respond to Iran’s recent missile and drone attack on Saturday, which Tehran claimed was in retaliation for a presumed Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Syria that killed 13 people on April 1st. Iran has been on high alert following these events.
The situation remains tense as both countries engage in retaliatory acts, with the US emphasizing the need for de-escalation to prevent further conflict in the region.