Israel has resumed airstrikes on Iran following what it described as a clear violation of a fragile ceasefire agreement, escalating fears of a wider regional conflict.
The country’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, on Monday ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to carry out intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran, following reports of missile launches allegedly originating from Iran.
“I have instructed the IDF to respond forcefully to Iran’s violation of the ceasefire with intense strikes against regime targets in Tehran,” Gallant stated in a brief but stern announcement.
The Israeli military said its air defence systems detected and responded to the missile threats, which triggered alarms across parts of northern Israel, prompting civilians to seek shelter.
Authorities have since given residents the all-clear, stating that the threat level had decreased and it was safe to exit emergency shelters.
Though Israel insists that Iran broke the ceasefire by launching missiles, Tehran has not officially confirmed initiating any new attacks. Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister had said that Tehran would only halt retaliatory actions if Israel ceased its strikes.
Despite the lack of clarity on Iran’s direct role, Israeli officials remain resolute. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, took to social media platform X to post a chilling warning:
“Tehran will shake.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s national ambulance service, Magen David Adom, reported that no mass casualties have occurred so far. The only confirmed injury was a man who was hurt while running to take cover during the alerts.
Analysts are warning that the ongoing cycle of retaliation may spiral into a broader regional war if diplomatic efforts are not urgently revived.
