Iranian state media generally downplayed the attack, saying three “birds” had been shot down and insisting flights were resuming normally. Hossein Dalirian, a spokesman for Iran’s National Cyberspace Center, also said the attack was limited to three small drones and insisted the country was not struck from outside its borders. borders.
The New York Times reported that two Israeli officials confirmed the strike, echoing other US media outlets. Fears of Israeli retaliation have been expected since Tehran bombarded Israel last Saturday night with around 300 missiles and drones, most of which were repelled by Israel and its allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed earlier this week that his country would make its own decisions on retaliation, despite pressure from its Western allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to show restraint.
The West fears a further escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, where Israel has been waging a war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip since October last year.
This developing story is being updated.
Politices
