It is just before the top of the hour.

Good morning and welcome to morning Joe it's Friday

April 19th let's get right to the breaking news out of the Middle East Israel

has carried out a limited strike against Iran that's according to a person familiar with the

situation who tells NBC news officials are now assessing the damage

caused. The attack was carried out overnight. Iranian state media reports, explosions were heard in one city

near the site of the country's largest nuclear research complex.

But the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms there has been no damage to any nuclear

facilities. The New York Times reports, three Iranian officials believe the attack was carried out

by small drones, possibly launched from inside the country.

The officials say the strike hit a military air base.

Another group of drones were reportedly shot down.

Now, a source familiar with the situation tells NBC News,

the US was not involved in the strike.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had spoken with his Israeli counterpart yesterday afternoon,

but it was not known if he was told about Israel's plan to attack Iran.

Israeli officials have not yet commented on the strike. The move comes less

than a week after Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones toward Israel

that was done in retaliation for a deadly strike earlier this month

on Iranian diplomatic building in Syria.

Iran's attack, however, was mostly thwarted with help from the US and several Arab and Western

allies.

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