Iran says explosion in Isfahan caused by 'unsuccessful' drone attack on arms factory

Iran said on Sunday that a large explosion in the city of Isfahan was caused by a failed drone attack on a military plant in the central city, according to official state media.

The Iranian defence ministry told the state-run IRNA news agency that its air defences had stopped the drone, leading it to blow up and cause the explosion on Saturday night.

"Fortunately, this unsuccessful attack did not cause any loss of life and caused minor damage to the workshop's roof," the ministry said.

"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 defence ministry statement said.

Footage posted by Iranian media showed flashes of lights at a plant that was reportedly an arms factory, and emergency vehicles rushing there.

Tehran did not say who launched the attack against the plant.

But this latest attack comes amid continued tensions with Israel following a series of fires started in industrial, military and nuclear sites across Iran. 

In 2021, Tehran vowed to seek revenge against Israel after it accused Tel Aviv of sabotaging the Natanz nuclear power plant.