Live updates: Iran belittles Israel drones as Iraq probes military base blast

Iranian state television reported explosions near an Iranian Air Force base in Isfahan, Iran, sparking speculation about Israeli involvement. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian downplayed the incident, stating it “was not a strike” and refusing to acknowledge Israeli responsibility. He described the explosions as more akin to children’s toys than drones.

In contrast, an Israeli official confirmed the attack was meant to demonstrate Israel’s capability to strike targets inside Iran. The attack, which did not cause significant damage to strategic sites, was seen as a warning to Iran rather than a full-scale assault.

Simultaneously, a man was killed at a base used by Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), with the responsible party remaining unknown. The incident raised tensions in the region, with conflicting reports on the nature of the attack.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East. The incident underscores the fragile balance of power in the region and the potential for further escalation. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.