Authorities in Tehran are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drone strike in Iran's Isfahan province. So far, Israel's connection to the attack has not been confirmed, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian told NBC News on Friday. If Israel doesn't retaliate against Iran for last week's attack, he said, “we're even and the matter is over.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian said the drones that shelled Isfahan province overnight Thursday to Friday were Israeli, causing no damage and causing no casualties.
In an interview with NBC News, Abdullahijan said the drones took off from Iranian territory and flew only a few hundred meters before being shot down. “They were like toys our kids play with, not real drones,” he said.
– No connection was found between this (incident – author) and Israel – the minister stressed, adding that Tehran was investigating the case, but that media reports on the matter were “not accurate”.
Iranian media and officials spoke of the downing of three drones near an airbase near Isfahan as a result of “small explosions” and attributed them to “interference” rather than direct Israeli action.
“We Are Even”
However, if Israel launches a retaliatory attack or moves against Iran's interests, Tehran's response will be “immediate and maximal,” the minister warned. – But if that doesn't happen, we're even. The case is over, he said.
Reuters notes that Abdullahijan tried to downplay the incident. Israel has yet to comment on this. According to commentators, Israel and Iran downplayed the incident to avoid escalating the conflict.
“Although the international community will often make every effort to defuse these tensions, we seem closer to war than ever in the region,” wrote military commentator Amos Harel in the Haaretz daily.
Tehran has no plans to retaliate against IsraelABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/PAP/EPA
Reactions to Israel's Retaliatory Attack
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the U.S. was not involved in any offensive operations, but the White House declined to comment.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the attacks. “It is time to stop the dangerous cycle of revenge in the Middle East,” his office insisted.
A few days ago, Iran attacked Israel. This was in response to the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1 this year.
Main photo source: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/PAP/EPA