Why Israel’s attack on Iran is being played down by both sides

After days of tension and calls for calm, Israel’s response to Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile strike appeared carefully calibrated to avert a wider war.

Iran activated air defence batteries in several provinces early this morning.

There were reports of explosions near an air base in the city of Isfahan, where Iranian state TV said three drones were shot down.

The city is close to several important military sites, including the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, which the International Atomic Energy Agency says was not damaged.

Even the reaction from Tehran was muted.