Move comes as world braced for Israeli retaliation to Tehran’s massive missile strike Satellite image shows Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan, Iran. MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/REUTERS By Aresu Eqbali Updated April 18, 2024 11:30 pm ET Explore Audio Center Iran activated air-defense systems and canceled flights, state media reported, amid reports of explosions at a time when the country and world are bracing for a possible Israeli strike. Israel has signaled it would retaliate against Iran’s massive drone and missile attack on its territory, a move that would threaten to push the countries deeper into an escalatory spiral that could lead to a regional war. Much remained unclear about the circumstances in Iran the early hours of Friday morning. Iranian media and social media reported explosions near Isfahan, where Iran has nuclear facilities and a drone factory. An air-defense system at a military base in northern Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday. PHOTO: VAHID SALEMI/ASSOCIATED PRESS An explosion was heard in Tabriz after Iran’s air defense detected a suspicious object and fired, the state-run news agency IRNA said. It said air-defense systems were activated in provinces across the country in response to a suspicious object in the sky. State-media reports attributed the explosions to air-defense fire. It also reported flights across the country were put on hold. Updates to follow as news develops.
Israel strategy: sometimes the best strategy is a kick down the road strategy and to take action but not embarrass your opponent