A loud explosion at a military plant in Iran's central city of Isfahan was caused by an "unsuccessful" drone attack, Iranian state media reported on Sunday, citing the defense ministry.
"One of (the drones) was hit by the...air defense and the other two were caught in defense traps and blew up. Fortunately, this unsuccessful attack did not cause any loss of life and caused minor damage to the workshop's roof," the ministry said in a statement carried out by the state news agency IRNA.
Iranian news agencies earlier reported the loud blast and carried a video showing a flash of light at the plant, said to be an ammunition factory, and footage of emergency vehicles and fire trucks outside the plant.
Iran accuses Israel
In July, Iran said it had arrested a sabotage team made up of Kurdish militants working for Israel who planned to blow up a "sensitive" defense industry center in Isfahan.
The announcement came amid heightening tensions with arch-enemy Israel over Tehran's nuclear program. Israel says Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies this.
"(The attack) has not affected our installations and mission...and such blind measures will not have an impact on the continuation of the country's progress," the defense ministry statement said.#BREAKING Several Isfahan citizens told @IranIntl they have heard at least "three or four explosions". Meanwhile, Telegram channels affiliated to IRGC are sharing this video with the caption "the moment a drone hits the Iranian Defense Ministry's ammunition facility in Isfahan". pic.twitter.com/tb9tHJOCKq
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) January 28, 2023
There have been a number of explosions and fires around Iranian military, nuclear and industrial facilities in the past few years.
The blasts have at times caused concern amid tensions over Iran's nuclear program with Israel and the United States.
Israel has long threatened military action against Iran if indirect talks between Washington and Tehran fail to salvage a 2015 nuclear pact.