Israel hits target in Iran's central province of Isfahan in limited strike

19th Apr 2024 06:38

(Sharecast News) - Israel struck a target in the central Iranian province of Isfahan, where the country's nuclear installations are located.

The province was also the location of the air base from which Iran had launched drones against Israel one week before.

According to two officials cited by CBS News, the BBC's U.S. partner, an Israeli missile had struck Iran.

For its part, the New York Times, citing three Iranian officials, said a military base near Isfahan was hit.

Yet Iran's state-owned news agency Tasnim was reporting that a "missile attack or large explosion" had been ruled out.

The retaliatory strike followed an Iranian attack with over 300 drones and missiles during the previous weekend, which caused only minor damage at one Israeli air force base, as 99% of the drones and missiles were downed mid-flight.

Euro/dollar initially fell to 1.0611 but as of 0709 BST had pared its decline to just 0.12% to 1.0630.

In parallel, front-dated Brent crude oil futures rose to an intra-day high of $90.75 a barrel, but could last be seen at $88.67.

The two main questions now left to answer appeared to be whether the Israeli strike had ended and whether Iran would respond.

"Suppose the reports are accurate and Israel indeed launched a barrage of missiles at Iran's top nuclear facility," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset management.

"In that case, it is a clear sign that tensions will continue to rise and possibly beyond a tit-for-tat manner."

-- More to follow --