Iran denies reports it launched drones at Israel - IRGC’s Fars news

Israel said it had completed a series of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, targeting dozens of missile launchers, drone storage sites, and other facilities across the country.

The Israeli military said the operation destroyed long-range missile systems and a unique container-based launch mechanism in western Iran. It added that the continued presence of such weapons in Iran posed a threat to regional and global security.

Thousands of people gathered in Tehran on Friday to protest against Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.

Demonstrators condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Iran’s leadership amid heightened tensions in the region.

Israel has closed its embassies globally and suspended consular services following large-scale attacks on Iran, according to statements on embassy websites on Friday.

Citizens were advised to remain vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. No timeline was provided for reopening.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany is increasing security at Jewish and Israeli sites, including visible protection around Stockholm’s Great Synagogue.

The Israeli military launched strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities, reportedly killing several senior commanders in an operation aimed at halting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

US President Donald Trump blamed Iran’s resistance in nuclear talks for provoking the attack and warned of harsher future strikes if no deal is reached.

A loud explosion was reported near Hamadan, northwestern Iran, according to a local news reporter from Mehr News Agency.

The sound originated from the vicinity of the Noje Airbase in Kabudarahang, west of Hamadan city. Details about the cause of the explosion remain unclear.

Greece and Britain have issued advisories urging their merchant fleets to avoid the Gulf of Aden and to log all voyages through the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s attacks on Iran, according to documents seen by Reuters.

Greece’s shipping association sent a notice on Friday instructing Greek shipowners to report details of any vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz to the Greek Ministry of Shipping.

The advisory cited escalating military tensions in the Middle East as the reason for the heightened caution.

Separately, the UK’s Transport Ministry recommended that all UK-flagged vessels, including those registered in Gibraltar and Bermuda, avoid sailing through the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.