Iran has played down an Israeli attack on its city of Isfahan, describing it as an incident involving “infiltrators” rather than Israel, in an apparent attempt to avoid retaliation and avert a regional war. The limited scale of the attack and Iran’s muted response suggest a successful diplomatic effort to prevent escalation.
Iranian media reported a small number of explosions, attributed to air defenses intercepting three drones. A senior Iranian official stated there were no plans to respond against Israel, citing uncertainty about the “foreign source” of the incident.
The incident follows a direct attack by Iran on Israel last Saturday, which was the first in decades of shadow warfare between the two nations. The attack caused no deaths and minor damage, as Israel and its allies intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones.
International leaders, including the United States, have been urging restraint to prevent further escalation. The Group of Seven industrialized democracies called for calm and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for stability in the region.
Financial markets reacted with global shares easing, oil prices surging, and US bond yields falling, reflecting concerns about the risks of escalation.
Iran’s response has been characterized as an attempt to “step down off the ledge” and minimize the impact of the attack, according to Jonathan Lord, head of the Middle East security program at the Center for a New American Security.
The incident has raised alarm over security in Israel and elsewhere, with the US Embassy in Jerusalem restricting travel for US government employees and warning US citizens of the need for caution and increased personal security awareness.
