Iran Foils Drone Attack on Defense Ministry Complex in Isfahan

Iran's national flag waves in Tehran, Iran, March 31, 2020. (AP)
Iran's national flag waves in Tehran, Iran, March 31, 2020. (AP)
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Iran Foils Drone Attack on Defense Ministry Complex in Isfahan

Iran's national flag waves in Tehran, Iran, March 31, 2020. (AP)
Iran's national flag waves in Tehran, Iran, March 31, 2020. (AP)

Iran foiled a drone attack against a Ministry of Defense complex in the central city of Isfahan overnight, Iranian Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday, although Tehran said confirming the report required further investigation.

"The Amir al-Momenin complex in Isfahan was the target of a failed attack by a small drone which was foiled by defense systems," Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, adding that the attempt did not cause any damage.

However, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said: "For now, I cannot confirm this as it needs more investigation," when asked by Iranian media about the report during a press conference.

In the past, Tehran has blamed its arch-foe Israel for such attacks, including a drone attack on a military factory near Isfahan in January. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attacks.

The report comes days after Israeli air strikes in Syria hit Iran-linked targets that killed at least two Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) members that served as military advisers in Syria.

In January, a Ministry of Defense industrial center was also targeted by a drone attack, which Iran said was unsuccessful and perpetrated by "mercenaries of the Zionist regime".



NATO's Rutte Visits Odesa, Says Support for Ukraine Unwavering

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, center, pose for photos with a wounded Ukrainian soldier during their visit to a hospital in Odesa, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, center, pose for photos with a wounded Ukrainian soldier during their visit to a hospital in Odesa, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
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NATO's Rutte Visits Odesa, Says Support for Ukraine Unwavering

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, center, pose for photos with a wounded Ukrainian soldier during their visit to a hospital in Odesa, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, center, pose for photos with a wounded Ukrainian soldier during their visit to a hospital in Odesa, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he had visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday and declared NATO's support for Ukraine was unwavering.

Rutte's visit was a show of solidarity with Kyiv following a Russian missile strike on the northern city of Sumy on Sunday that killed 35 people and wounded more than 100.

"Ukraine’s people have endured so much - not least Russia's Palm Sunday attack on Sumy. NATO support is unwavering," Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.

"We will continue to help Ukraine so it can defend today and deter future aggression, ensuring a just and lasting peace."

The trip took place as the United States - NATO's dominant power - is seeking to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and it followed fresh criticism of Zelenskiy by US President Donald Trump.

Zelenskiy said he and Rutte had visited a hospital where Ukrainian soldiers were recovering from their wounds.

"We spoke with our warriors. I presented state awards to our defenders. I am grateful to our guys for their strength, resilience, and for protecting our people," he said on X.

"I also presented awards to the combat medics," he added. "I thank everyone who defends, treats, endures, and supports Ukraine. You are our strength."