The Israeli military launched airstrikes on targets in western and central Iran early Monday, hours after Iranian missiles targeted Israeli territory, marking one of the most serious breaches of a fragile April ceasefire in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

Explosions were reported in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Karaj, according to Iranian state media and local sources. Israeli Channel 12 reported that Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport was among the sites hit. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed Israeli aggression, stating that air-launched ballistic missiles were used from outside Iranian airspace.

Iranian media also reported damage to facilities at the Karoun Mahshahr Petrochemical Company in Khuzestan Province following an Israeli strike. Separately, an explosion of unknown origin was heard in Baghdad, Iraq.

Iranian Missile Barrage on Israel

The Israeli strikes followed a series of Iranian missile launches toward Israel. Sirens sounded across central and southern Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem (al-Quds), Beersheba (Beer al-Sabe'e), and areas near the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities reported multiple waves of missiles from Iran, with additional barrages targeting the Beersheba region.

One Iranian missile reportedly struck a military site in the occupied West Bank. Journalists on the ground described powerful explosions across occupied Palestinian territories. The IRGC announced the launch of “Operation Nasr,” targeting Israeli air bases including Nevatim and Tel Nof, under the codename “Ya Haidar al-Karrar.” The operation was dedicated to those killed in the earlier 12-day war, in response to Israeli attacks on Iranian radar sites.

Political Fallout and U.S. Involvement

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against further retaliation. In comments widely reported by media outlets, Trump stated he planned to tell Netanyahu: “Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike, and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one.”

Despite the appeal, Israeli military leadership indicated readiness to respond forcefully. Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said forces were prepared to launch a strong attack once ordered. Alert levels were raised in Tel Aviv and southern Israel in anticipation of further Iranian action.

The exchanges come amid broader regional friction, including Israeli actions in Lebanon and reported Iranian responses near the Strait of Hormuz. A Yemeni missile attack also triggered sirens in central Israeli-controlled areas early Monday.

This latest flare-up risks undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region following the wider 2026 Iran war that began earlier this year. Both sides remain on high alert, with the IRGC stating that all units are prepared for wider operations if needed.

Casualty figures and full damage assessments from the latest strikes were not immediately available. The situation remains fluid, with both nations monitoring developments closely and international mediators calling for de-escalation.This is a developing story. (ILKHA)