Israeli forces conducted early morning airstrikes targeting military installations in Iran’s central and western regions on Monday, responding to missile attacks launched from Tehran that have heightened fears of broader regional conflict across the Middle East.
Reports from Iranian state media confirmed explosions were audible in multiple cities including Isfahan, Karaj, Tabriz and Tehran, though specific details were not immediately provided. A local witness in Tehran reported hearing at least one significant explosion from the western direction of the capital. Following the Israeli assault, Iran shut down airspace surrounding Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, the nation’s primary aviation hub.
Iranian authorities have not disclosed information regarding which facilities were targeted or the extent of any damage sustained. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard stated that Israel employed air-launched ballistic missiles during Monday morning’s operation, but provided no additional specifics.
As the strikes commenced at dawn in Iran, the Israeli military released a brief statement declaring: “A short while ago, the Israeli Air Force struck military targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran.” No further elaboration was provided.
The White House has not responded to inquiries regarding the strikes or whether they were conducted with U.S. coordination.
Recent days have seen stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States concerning the fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, complicated by fighting between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah. Israel currently maintains control over southern Lebanon, advancing into territories not occupied for twenty-five years, raising concerns about potential expansion of their military operations.
Israel conducted airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday. Iran responded with its own strike against Israel, prompting Monday morning’s Israeli attack on Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated to a Fox News Channel reporter his desire for Iran to cease missile launches and resume diplomatic negotiations. He also indicated that Israel’s Sunday strikes in Lebanon were conducted without U.S. coordination, expressing his displeasure with the action.
A senior U.S. official revealed that Trump contacted Netanyahu, urging him to refrain from immediate retaliation following the Iranian missile attack. The official, speaking anonymously regarding the private conversation, indicated Trump believed he had persuaded Netanyahu to delay action.
Trump “got Bibi to hold off for the time being,” the official stated. The official declined to provide additional call details, and Netanyahu’s office has not issued immediate comment.
