DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran fired air defense batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, state news agency IRNA reported.
It remained unclear whether the country was under attack. However, tensions remain high in the wider Middle East following Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel. One government official suggested that locations may have been targeted by drones.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
IRNA said the defense fired in several provinces. It did not elaborate on what caused the batteries to ignite, although people in the area reported hearing the sounds.
The semi-official news agencies Fars and Tasnim reported the sound of explosions, without giving a cause. State television acknowledged “loud noises” in the area.
Isfahan is home to a major air base for the Iranian military, as well as sites related to the nuclear program.
Dubai-based airlines Emirates and FlyDubai began flying around western Iran at around 4:30 am local time. They offered no explanation, although local warnings to pilots suggested the airspace may have been closed.
