Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Israel warned the US about a drone attack on Iran Friday apparently targeting an air base and a nuclear site in central Iran. Watch in for more details!

Italy says Israel warned US about drone attack on Iran

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - US vetoes Palestinian request at UN - Tel Aviv: Protesters call for general strike - Report: Oil jumps over 3% on West Asia worries -Report: Explosions heard at Isfahan airport

US vetoes Palestinian request at UN | Tel Aviv: Protesters call for general strike

A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported. The cause is currently unknown but airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the reported explosion.

Israel launches airstrike, explosions heard in Isfahan says Report

Explosion reportedly heard over Iranian city of Isfahan amid fears of  of conflict with Israel

Iranians in Tehran took to the streets after prayers on Friday (April 19) in response to an apparent Israeli attack on Iran.

Earlier on Friday, explosions echoed over the Iranian city of Isfahan in what sources described to be&nbsp;an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.

The limited scale of the attack and Iran's muted response appeared to signal a successful effort by diplomats who have been working to avert all-out war since an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel last Saturday (April 13).

Iranian media and officials described a small number of explosions, which they said resulted from air defences hitting three drones over the central Iranian city. Notably, they referred to the incident as an attack by "infiltrators", rather than by Israel, obviating the need for retaliation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran</a>

However, speaking before Friday prayers in Tehran, the Iranian army ground forces commander Kiumars Heydari said, "The Zionist regime should know that if it makes a mistake, this time it will be punished harder and more severely."

Violence between Israel and Iranian proxies across the Middle East has intensified throughout six months of bloodshed in Gaza, raising fears that the longstanding foes' shadow war could spiral into a direct conflict.

Israel had said it would retaliate after Saturday's strikes, the first-ever direct attack on Israel by Iran, which caused no deaths after Israel and its allies shot down hundreds of missiles and drones.

Tehran launched those attacks in response to a presumed Israeli airstrike on April 1 that destroyed a building in Iran's embassy compound in Damascus and killed several Iranian officers including a top general.

Iranians in Tehran took to the streets after prayers on Friday (April 19) in response to an apparent Israeli attack on Iran. Earlier on Friday, explosions echoed over the Iranian city of Isfahan in what sources described to be an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.

Iranians in Tehran took to the streets after prayers on Friday (April 19) in response to an apparent Israeli attack on Iran. Earlier on Friday, explosions echoed over the Iranian city of Isfahan in what sources described to be an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war. The limited scale of the attack and Iran's muted response appeared to signal a successful effort by diplomats who have been working to avert all-out war since an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel last Saturday (April 13). Iranian media and officials described a small number of explosions, which they said resulted from air defences hitting three drones over the central Iranian city. Notably, they referred to the incident as an attack by "infiltrators", rather than by Israel, obviating the need for retaliation. Also read: US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran However, speaking before Friday prayers in Tehran, the Iranian army ground forces commander Kiumars Heydari said, "The Zionist regime should know that if it makes a mistake, this time it will be punished harder and more severely." Violence between Israel and Iranian proxies across the Middle East has intensified throughout six months of bloodshed in Gaza, raising fears that the longstanding foes' shadow war could spiral into a direct conflict. Israel had said it would retaliate after Saturday's strikes, the first-ever direct attack on Israel by Iran, which caused no deaths after Israel and its allies shot down hundreds of missiles and drones. Tehran launched those attacks in response to a presumed Israeli airstrike on April 1 that destroyed a building in Iran's embassy compound in Damascus and killed several Iranian officers including a top general.

Iranians protest after Friday prayers following drone attack on Iran

Explosions rocked Iran's central city of Isfahan on Friday morning, giving rise to speculation that Israel's counter-strike has begun. Iran played down the incident, saying, no foreign missile had been fired into Iran. The fact is, the Israel-Iran conflict is out of the shadows and world leaders are worried.

Explosions over Iranian city

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel&nbsp;launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran.

"I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation,"&nbsp;Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri.

"What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he said.

The top United States diplomat reiterated the same response on being asked about the situation several times during the press briefing.

"The US has not been involved in any offensive operation," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vetoes-palestinian-request-for-full-statehood-at-united-nations-712748">US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations</a>

<h2>'Washington was informed of strikes in advance,' says G7 host Antonio Tajani</h2>

Earlier, at a separate news briefing, G7 host and Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the United States was notified about the Israeli strikes way in advance. However, he did not share much details.

"The United States were informed at the last moment," he said, adding that "it was just information" passed on -- without saying who by.&nbsp;

The Group of Seven ministers, in its final statement, said, "In light of reports of strikes on April 19th, we urge all parties to work to prevent further escalation. The G7 will continue to work to this end."

<h2>Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel&nbsp;</h2>

Iran is not planning any retaliation against Israel after Friday's (Apr 19) attacks, a top Iranian official was quoted by Reuters as saying.

“The foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed. We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack,” the official said.

Earlier in the day, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, the cause of which is not yet known. However, airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the explosion.

Iran subsequently said that it shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now".

Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X.

"Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported.&nbsp;

The province of Isfahan is home to a large air base, a major missile production complex and reportedly several nuclear sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran. "I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation," Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri. "What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he said. The top United States diplomat reiterated the same response on being asked about the situation several times during the press briefing. "The US has not been involved in any offensive operation," he said. Also read: US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations 'Washington was informed of strikes in advance,' says G7 host Antonio Tajani Earlier, at a separate news briefing, G7 host and Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the United States was notified about the Israeli strikes way in advance. However, he did not share much details. "The United States were informed at the last moment," he said, adding that "it was just information" passed on -- without saying who by. The Group of Seven ministers, in its final statement, said, "In light of reports of strikes on April 19th, we urge all parties to work to prevent further escalation. The G7 will continue to work to this end." Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel Iran is not planning any retaliation against Israel after Friday's (Apr 19) attacks, a top Iranian official was quoted by Reuters as saying. “The foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed. We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack,” the official said. Earlier in the day, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, the cause of which is not yet known. However, airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the explosion. Iran subsequently said that it shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now". Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X. "Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported. The province of Isfahan is home to a large air base, a major missile production complex and reportedly several nuclear sites. (With inputs from agencies)

US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken repeatedly declined to confirm a reported Israeli attack on Iran on Friday, saying Washington has not been involved in any offensive operations and it was committed to de-escalating tensions in the region.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says US not involved in Iran incident

Israel has targeted the city of Isfahan in retaliation for the barrage of missiles and drones Iran deployed over the weekend. But why Isfahan? Watch in to know!

Isfahan: The city home to Iranian nuclear facilities

A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported. Watch in for more details!

Reports: Explosions heard over Iran's Isfahan air base and nuclear site

The reported explosions in the Iranian regions of Isfahan and Tabriz came amid spiralling geopolitical tensions. West Asia is a vortex of Iran-Israel tensions and did Tel Aviv test Tehran's defence capabilities? Watch to find out!

Israel-Iran tensions: Iran envoy speaks to WION says, 'We will hit back on Israeli strikes'

Israel-Iran tensions simmer as explosions heard over Iran's Isfahan, Tabriz

Iranians voice concerns over a possible escalation following reports of an Israeli strike on the central Isfahan province, calling war "destructive". Explosions rocked Isfahan province, according to state media, as US officials told American news outlets that Israel carried out a retaliatory strike on the Islamic republic.

Iran-Israel tensions: Iranians react to suspected Israeli strike on Isfahan

Google has laid off 28 employees after their involvement in a protest against the company's latest contract with the Israeli government. Watch to know more.

Google employees sacked over 'office disruptions', calls staff protests 'unnacceptable behaviour'

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Explosion heard over Iranian city of Isfahan amid fears of conflict with Israel: Reports

After UAE, severe weather hits Iran. Iran's Konarak and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces hit badly. Watch to know more.

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While speaking to Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi on Israel-Iran tensions, he said 'Israel directly targeted Iranian consulate which means that it has targeted Iranian territory. The miscalculation has consequences and anyone who did that will have to pay for it.'

'Any military action will be responded strongly': Iran Ambassador on Israel-Iran tensions

Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says, 'Israel has freedom of action to do what it wants

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Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Israel missiles hit Iran, says US media - India's massive election kicks off - Iran media says, 'no missiles from abroad' - Pakistan: Suicide attack in Karachi - Sanctions 'attack' on Iran - Blasts at Isfahan, nuclear plants safe

US: Jury selected for Trump trial | Sanctions 'attack' on Iran

Explosions were heard in Iran. Reportedly, three explosions were heard near an army base in the central city of Isfahan. Flights have been suspended over several cities. Reportedly, drones were also observed in the sky over Isfahan.

Explosions heard in Iran’s Isfahan after alleged Israeli attack

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Israel missiles hit Iran, says US media - India's massive election kicks off - Phase 1: 166 mn voters, 1625 candidates & 102 seats - Pakistan: Suicide attack in Karachi - Tehran airport resumes flights - Blasts at Isfahan, nuclear plants safe

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Iran's nuclear sites in Israel: West Asia in a vortex of Iran-Israel tension

Israel's Arrow 3 uses hit-to-kill technology, an anti-ballistic missile is used to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in space. Watch to know more.

Israeli banks on the 'Arrow 3': High lethality against tactical ballistic missile

Will Arab nations get trapped in the Israel, Iran conflict? Jordan's King Abdullah II has said that his country must not become 'the theater of a regional war'. Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani says 'Our position is clear, and we will not allow Iraq to be thrown into the arena of conflict'. Do these Arab nations have the choice to stay out of the conflict? Are they handcuffed by the U.S.?

Israel vs Iran: Which country will the Arab nations support?

West Asia is tense at the moment the rivalry between Iran and Israel is growing by the day with the two Nations engaging in a high stakes cat and mouse game. Israel has vowed to retaliate despite its Western allies urging restraint. WION's report highlights how Israel may use a more covert and effective weapon at its disposal instead of launching a traditional military strike.

Iran attacks Israel: Retaliation could enter cyber realm

Iran could review its “nuclear doctrine” following Israeli threats to strike the country, a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said on Thursday. Watch in for more details!

Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns Israel against attacking nuclear sites

Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns Israel against striking its atomic sites

The Iran ambassador to India Iraj Elahi has said that the Indian nationals onboard MSC Aries are free to go. The Israel-linked Portuguese flag was seized by Iran over the weekend and had 17 Indian crew members on board. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the ambassador said, "From the Iranian side, they are free and not detained. Yesterday, the lady was handed over to consulate. Consulate got access to other crew." With the concerted efforts of the Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian Government, Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, who was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries, has landed safely at the Cochin International Airport today afternoon.

Indians onboard MSC Aries free to go, Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi speaks to WION

More than a dozen House Democrats voted against a resolution condemning Iran's airstrikes on Israel Thursday. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: 13 House Democrats voted against a resolution to condemn Iran's attack on Israel

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