"*" indicates required fields

Subscribe

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy

Subscription Settings
Analysis

Crisis Contained? Iran’s State-Censored Media Reports Limited Israeli Attack, No Damage

The April 19 edition of the Iran Media Review examines immediate reactions to the Israeli strike in Isfahan.

Ali Alfoneh

4 min read

Iranian authorities and Iran’s state-censored media seem to be downplaying the significance of Israel’s April 19 drone attack on a military facility in Isfahan. If Israel’s response remains limited to the drone attack, the regime may not feel immediate pressure to retaliate against Israel, potentially containing the crisis for now.

  • April 19: Supreme National Security Council mouthpiece Nour News played down the significance of the Israeli attack:
    • “After reports of explosions heard in the skies over Isfahan and claims by some foreign media regarding Israeli attacks on our territory, the Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council issued a statement dismissing any foreign incursion onto our soil. Brigadier General Second Class Mihanparast, a senior army officer, attributed the sounds to Iran’s air defense systems responding to a suspicious object. He confirmed that no damage occurred, emphasizing that the province of Isfahan and its circumstances are completely normal.”
    • Nour News also reported that all flights from Mehr Abad Airport were canceled until 10:30 a.m. local time. Additionally, it cited the International Atomic Energy Agency’s report confirming that Iran’s nuclear facilities were not targeted or damaged.
  • April 19: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps mouthpiece Mashregh News reported:
    • “A few hours ago, some sources reported hearing three blasts near the Islamic Republic of Iran air force base in northeastern Isfahan. Consequently, air defense systems in Isfahan and Tabriz were activated, possibly triggered by drone activity. Reliable sources have assured the public that the nuclear facilities in Isfahan remain completely secure, refuting any foreign media claims of attacks against them. Contrary to rumors, no explosion occurred in Tabriz; the sound was merely the air defense systems detecting a suspicious flying object. Tabriz’s air defenses, situated in Wadi Rahmat in the southeastern part of the city, cover the city, refinery, and petrochemical plant. Tabriz currently enjoys a state of calm.”
  • April 19: Abd al-Rahim Ansari, a political analyst associated with the IRGC, downplayed the significance of the Israeli response in two posts on his Telegram channel. However, he also issued a warning to countries that may have facilitated Israel’s use of their territory or airspace to launch drones:
    • In his first post, Ansari wrote: “There are reports of the activation of air defense systems in Isfahan and Tabriz. Two key issues require attention: First, we need clarity on whether Israel will unequivocally claim responsibility for the attack. Second, considering that the drones could not have been launched from Occupied Palestine,” referencing Israel, “we must ascertain their point of origin in order to respond effectively. If they were indeed launched from the Republic of Baku,” referencing Azerbaijan, “our response should not only target the Zionists but also send a message to” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
    • In his second post, Ansari wrote: “Israel’s use of drones serves two purposes: First, it aims to convey the message that ‘we do not wish to escalate tensions further.’ Second, it intends to utilize it for propaganda warfare.”
  • April 19: The official Islamic Republic News Agency reported that civilian flights are back to normal schedule “at some airports.”

The views represented herein are the author's or speaker's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of AGSI, its staff, or its board of directors.

Ali Alfoneh

Senior Fellow, AGSI

Analysis

Iran Backs Diplomacy With Threats of Disruption

The May 16 edition of the Iran Media Review considers how Iranian officials are adopting strategic ambiguity in their rhetoric about negotiations with the United States.

Ali Alfoneh

11 min read

Iran Backs Diplomacy With Threats of Disruption

Araghchi: U.S. and Iran Agree on Continued Talks

The May 13 edition of the Iran Media Review evaluates remarks by the Iranian foreign minister and state-controlled media endorsing continued U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Ali Alfoneh

9 min read

Araghchi: U.S. and Iran Agree on Continued Talks

The Use of Force and the Trajectory of U.S.-Iran Talks

The May 9 edition of the Iran Media Review examines disagreements among Iranian media outlets about the effect of a Houthi missile strike targeting Israel on U.S.-Iranian negotiations.

Ali Alfoneh

6 min read

The Use of Force and the Trajectory of U.S.-Iran Talks

Nour News on Postponement of Talks: “Neither a Dead End, nor Complete Progress”

The May 6 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights Iranian media analysis about the postponement of U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Ali Alfoneh

4 min read

Nour News on Postponement of Talks: “Neither a Dead End, nor Complete Progress”
View All

Events

Apr 29, 2025

The Real Deal? Are Washington and Tehran Closer to a Compromise?

On April 29, AGSI hosted a discussion on the U.S.-Iranian nuclear negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, meets his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi prior to negotiations with Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff in Muscat, Oman, Saturday, April 12. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)
In this photo released by Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, meets his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi prior to negotiations with U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat, Oman, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)

Jul 11, 2024

In Conversation With Ali Alfoneh: Does Iran’s Presidential Election Matter?

On July 11, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Iran's presidential election.

People watch the debate of presidential candidates at a park in Tehran, Iran July 1, 2024. (Majid Asgaripour/ West Asia News Agency via REUTERS)
People watch the debate of presidential candidates at a park in Tehran, Iran July 1, 2024. (Majid Asgaripour/ West Asia News Agency via REUTERS)

Jan 9, 2024

2024 Outlook

On January 9, AGSIW hosted a virtual roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they looked ahead and assessed trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year.

Oct 12, 2023

Will the Israel-Hamas Conflict Spell the End of Regional Reconciliation?

On October 12, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Smoke billows following Israeli strikes, in Gaza City, October 11. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)
Smoke billows following Israeli strikes, in Gaza City, October 11. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)
View All