Though tensions had been simmering in the Middle East for the last two months, without any reported major strikes from the warring countries in the region, in the hope that an indisputable ceasefire agreement between the countries was reachable, the latest pounding of ammunition changed the situation to one where no foreseeable end to the conflict appeared possible.
The latest strikes on Iran were reportedly carried out by Israel, defying US President Donald Trump's request to Israel for restraint, as the Israeli military said its air force struck military targets in western and central Iran, while the US has yet to respond on whether the strikes were carried out in coordination with the US.
The strikes followed a dramatic escalation on Sunday when Iran launched ballistic missiles towards northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs, shattering a fragile ceasefire that had largely held since April.
Air raid sirens echoed across northern Israel as regional tensions, which had shown signs of containment in recent weeks, rapidly spiralled into a renewed cycle of confrontation.
Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that negotiations with Iran were approaching a breakthrough, reportedly telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him against any immediate retaliation. Arguing that both sides had already demonstrated their military capabilities, the US president warned that further action would jeopardise delicate diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a wider settlement with Iran.
His intervention, however, appeared to yield little effect. In the early hours of Monday, explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz and Karaj.
Iranian state media confirmed the blasts but provided no immediate assessment of damage or casualties. A witness in the capital described hearing a powerful explosion west of Tehran, while authorities closed the airspace surrounding Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Iranian officials had earlier vowed a “decisive and painful” response to Israel’s Beirut operation. Senior political figures in Tehran also warned that US military installations and assets across the region could become legitimate targets, accusing the US of enabling Israeli actions despite its public calls for de-escalation.
Meanwhile, concerns over the wider economic consequences of the conflict intensified after Iran signalled that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz could remain open only under revised conditions, including the imposition of transit fees. The proposal has already drawn sharp opposition from the US, underscoring how the military confrontation is increasingly intersecting with global energy security and international diplomacy.