Tehran: The Iranian Navy intercepted a British destroyer in the northern Indian Ocean meant to help guide Israeli missiles toward Iranian territory, state news agency IRNA reported Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, a statement from the public relations office of the First Naval Zone indicated that the destroyer was detected by Iranian intelligence systems Friday night. It was then warned by combat drones before it could advance toward the Persian Gulf, leading the vessel to change its course after being tracked in the Sea of Oman.

Israel launched a series of strikes against Iranian territory on early Friday, targeting nuclear and missile facilities and resulting in the deaths of senior military figures and scientists. The wave of attacks has reportedly resulted in at least 78 deaths and 320 injuries, as announced by Iran's UN envoy. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes.