Latest Defence News 

Israel ,Iran Conflict 

Reports from Reuters, citing ABC News which in turn cited a U.S. official, indicate that Israeli missiles have struck a location in Iran. This development comes shortly after Iran initiated a retaliatory drone strike on Israel, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.

Iranian state media initially reported an explosion in the central region of the country, specifically in Isfahan. However, the exact nature of the incident remains unverified by ET online at this time. Iranian officials have countered these reports, stating that the explosions heard in Isfahan were the result of the activation of Iran's air defense systems, with no missile attack occurring against Iran.

Fars News Agency of Iran reported an explosion at an airport in Isfahan, yet the cause of this event remains undetermined.

In response to the reported strike, Iran has taken precautionary measures by halting flights over several major cities, including Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran.

Isfahan province houses several Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, a crucial facility for Iran's uranium enrichment program. This location's strategic significance underscores the gravity of any military action taken in the region.

Furthermore, Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport has temporarily closed to all flights until 0700 GMT, according to a notice to airmen posted on a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration database.

Flight tracking data shows that some Emirates and Flydubai flights altered their routes away from Iranian airspace following the reported strike.

Israeli officials had previously informed the U.S. of their intent to retaliate against Iran's recent attack, which involved hundreds of drones and missiles, allegedly in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria. The majority of Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory.

Analysts and observers have expressed concerns about the potential for the Israel-Gaza conflict to spill over into wider regional hostilities, heightening instability in the Middle East.

In a statement to the United Nations Security Council, Iran called for action to halt what it perceives as Israeli military aggression against its interests. Meanwhile, the U.N. Secretary-General warned of a "moment of maximum peril" in the Middle East.

Financial markets reacted swiftly to the news, with oil prices surging by 3% to $88.86 a barrel, while the dollar strengthened, gold prices rose by 1%, and S&P 500 futures dropped by 1%.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza began following attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Iran-backed groups have also declared their support for Palestinians, launching attacks from Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq.

The situation remains fluid, with tensions between Israel and Iran continuing to escalate, raising concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further violence.