Israel behind drone strike on Iran military facility, US official says
- Drones targeted an Iranian defence factory in the central city of Isfahan, no casualties
- Israel declines to comment as US officials point to its possible role in the attack
Israel appears to have been behind an overnight drone attack on a military factory in Iran, a US official said on Sunday.
Iran claimed to have intercepted drones that struck a military industry target near the central city of Isfahan, and said there were no casualties or serious damage.
The extent of damage could not be independently ascertained. Iranian state media released footage showing a flash in the sky and emergency vehicles at the scene.
The attack has stirred Middle East tensions as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his new right-wing government. Blinken will also visit Palestinian officials as violence in the West Bank soars.
A spokesperson for the Israeli military declined to comment on the drone attack. Arch-foe Israel has long said it is willing to strike Iranian targets if diplomacy fails to curb Tehran’s nuclear or missile programmes, but it has a policy of withholding comment on specific incidents.
Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said no US military forces were involved in strikes in Iran, but declined to comment further.