Israel launches strike against Iran, reports US media

Israel has launched a strike against Iran in retaliation for its weekend attack, US media reported Thursday night.

ABC and CBS News reported the strikes early Friday Mideast time, quoting US officials.

There was no immediate comment from the White House or Pentagon.

Israel military officials told AFP that they "don't have comment at this time."

Iran activated its air defence system over several cities, state media reported, after the country's official broadcaster said explosions were heard near the central city of Isfahan.

State TV reported Friday that "big explosions" were identified, as a news agency said flights were suspended over the capital Tehran and other cities.

"News sources are reporting hearing big explosions in Isfahan province," state television said, adding that the cause was not immediately clear. 

Mehr news agency reported that "flights to Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz, and airports in the west, northwest and southwest have been suspended."

Israel had warned it would hit back after Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend. Most of them were intercepted. 

That strike came in the wake of an attack on Iran's consulate in Damascus widely blamed on Israel.

– TIMES/AFP