Iran foiled a drone attack on a Ministry of Defence complex in the city of Isfahan overnight, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said on Wednesday.
“The Ministry of Defence’s Amir Al Momenin complex in Isfahan was the target of the attack by a small drone, which was foiled by defence systems,” Tasnim said.
It said the attempt did not cause any damage.
Isfahan's deputy governor Mohammedreza Janashari later said there was "no security incident" in comments carried by state outlet Irna.
The military and police "are ready to deal with any threat, as always", he added.
The incident comes three days after the Iranian navy said it warned off a US reconnaissance plane near the Gulf of Oman.
"After the warning, the plane was prevented from entering the country's skies without authorisation," Tasnim said, identifying the plane as a US Navy EP-3E.
While the report said the aircraft had crossed into Iranian airspace, it also said that the plane had not entered Iranian skies and had left after the warning.
In late January, Iran blamed Israel for a drone attack in Isfahan that damaged a weapons depot. That attack targeted a defence ministry "workshop complex" in Isfahan, home to the Natanz nuclear enrichment plant.
It said the attack was carried out by a "foreign trained" Kurdish group based in neighbouring Iraq.
Isfahan, 350km south of Tehran, is home to both a large airbase built for Iran's fleet of American-made F-14 fighter jets and its Nuclear Fuel Research and Production Centre.
Tehran often accuses Israel of attacks in Iran and on Iran-linked weapons stores and facilities in Syria, as well as stoking unrest such as the nationwide protests that have rocked Iran since September.
It accused Israel of a 2022 drone attack on a military drone storage plant in the western city of Kermanshah.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also attacked what it called Israeli intelligence bases in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq.
Israel has admitted launching strikes on Iran-linked sites in Syria and held joint military drills with the US to "send a message to Tehran".
IRGC Deputy Commander Sardar Naqdi hit out at Israel on Wednesday over suspected Israeli strikes that killed two IRGC members near Damascus last week.
Speaking at the funeral of Milad Heydari, the commander said Iran warned Israel to prepare for a "strong and decisive response".
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Bio
Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind.
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
IF YOU GO
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info
Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
