Israel carried out limited strikes against Iran early Friday in retaliation for Tehran's barrage of missiles and drones toward Israel last Saturday.
A leading military official told Fox News that the attack was “limited.” Sources said the United States was not involved and that Israel had notified the United States in advance.
Fox News confirmed that there was an explosion in Iran's Isfahan province, where Natanz, one of Iran's nuclear facilities, is located.
It was initially unclear whether any facilities had been attacked, but state television said all facilities in the area were “completely safe” and the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed on Friday morning that there had been no damage. confirmed.
Details about the target, if any, were not immediately available, but Fox News was able to confirm that the target was “not nuclear or civilian.”
Report of Israeli retaliatory attack on Iran, prompt reaction from lawmakers: 'Right to defend one's country'
Explosions were heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan on Friday after Israel reportedly launched a retaliatory attack on the country in response to Iran's weekend attack on the Jewish state. (Getty Images)
G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement on Friday condemning Iran for last weekend's attack on Israel and calling on both sides to “prevent further escalation.”
The statement said the ministers “condemned in the strongest terms the unprecedented direct attack on Israel by Iran on April 13-14, which Israel repulsed with the support of its partners.”
It added: “This was a dangerous escalation as Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.”
The ministers also said: “We have the full solidarity and support of Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment to Israel's security.” “Iran’s actions signal an unacceptable step towards regional destabilization and further escalation, which must be avoided.In light of the reports of the April 19 strike, we urge all parties to “The G7 will continue its efforts to achieve this objective.” “
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday when asked about Israel's attack on Iran: “I'm not going to talk about that other than to say the United States is not involved in any offensive operations.”
“What we are focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, that is reflected in our statements and our conversations, is to reduce tensions and reduce potential “You have seen Israel under unprecedented attack.” “But while we are of course focused on enabling Israel to effectively defend itself, we are also focused on de-escalating tensions and avoiding conflict.”
White House announces new sanctions on Iran after Israeli attack: 'Pressure continues'
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported the sound of an explosion over Isfahan, near the international airport. There was no explanation for the explosion. However, Isfahan is home to the Iranian military's main air base and sites related to its nuclear program.
A senior Iranian official reportedly told Reuters that Iran had no immediate plans to respond to the Israeli attack, but Iranian state media said otherwise. The explosions heard in Isfahan were believed to be the result of the country's air defense system being activated, rather than a missile attack, officials told Reuters.
Jonathan Conricus, a former Israeli Defense Forces spokesman, wrote of X that Iran seems to be downplaying the attack, but that “this is what I think.”[s] They got the message. ”
Iran temporarily suspended commercial flights in Tehran and throughout its western and central regions in response to the attack. According to Iranian news agency Tasnim, restrictions on flights to and from Tehran's Khomeini and Mehrabad international airports have since been lifted.
Dubai-based airlines Emirates and flydubai began diverting flights to areas near western Iran at 4:30 a.m. local time.
Flydubai said in a statement to Fox News Digital that flight FZ1929 from Dubai to Tehran on Friday morning was turned back to Dubai due to the closure of Imam Khomeini International Airport. The company also announced that all flights to Iran on Friday have been cancelled.
A flydubai spokesperson said: “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and will make any changes to our flight path in consultation with the relevant authorities.” “We will share further updates as more information becomes available.”
Israel's advanced military technology on full display during Iranian attack
Anti-missile systems were activated after Iran launched a drone and missile toward Israel, seen from Ashkelon, Israel, April 14, 2024. (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
Following reports of an Israeli attack on Iran, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on Friday morning restricted personal travel outside of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Beil metropolitan area for U.S. government employees and their families “out of an abundance of caution.” A security notice has been issued. Sheba area until further notice.
Iran attacked Israel over the weekend in retaliation for an attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month that left more than a dozen people dead, including a top commander. Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
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The Biden administration is considering supplying Israel with more than $1 billion worth of new weapons, a person familiar with the matter told Fox News. Israel's request is recent and is undergoing initial review, but the deal has not yet been approved, the people said.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the deal, which included $700 million in 120mm tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and less than $100 million in 120mm mortar rounds, according to the newspaper. It is said that there is
It added that it would require approval from Congressional leaders and could take up to several years to materialize.
The weekend attacks by Iran marked a significant escalation in violence. Despite decades of hostility between the two countries, Iran has never attacked Israel directly, relying instead on proxy forces in Iraq, Lebanon and elsewhere.
This is a developing story. Please check the latest information.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bradford Betts is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital, covering crime, politics and more.