Israel has conducted attacks against Iran and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who launched a missile at Israel, raising concerns about a faltering ceasefire in the region. Iranian state media reported explosions in Tehran on Monday, though it remains unclear if they were due to missile interceptions or direct impacts. The Israeli military stated that its air force executed extensive strikes on strategic defense systems in Iran, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted Israeli airbases in response to Israeli airstrikes.
Earlier, the Israeli military reported strikes on sites in Iran's Mahshahr petrochemical complex following an Iranian missile barrage that targeted northern Israel, which resulted in no injuries. The IRGC claimed to have attacked a chemical plant in Haifa, Israel, with additional explosions reported in Tabriz and Isfahan, Iran.
In Yemen, the Iran-aligned Houthis announced they had fired a missile at Israel and declared a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea. The conflict escalated on Sunday when Iranian forces launched missiles at northern Israel, marking the first such attack since a truce was agreed upon in April between the United States and Israel. This was in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut.
Iran's Central Command spokesperson accused the US of permitting Israeli attacks on Beirut. Tehran has maintained that the truce with Washington should encompass a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. Despite the truce, Israel has continued its military operations in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah fighters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the recent attacks, but reports indicate he will hold a security cabinet meeting. The exchange of fire occurs as the US and Iran are discussing an extension of the ceasefire agreement, which aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize rising energy prices. Following the recent military exchanges, Brent crude oil prices increased above $97 a barrel.
US President Donald Trump urged both Israel and Iran to cease hostilities in a post on his Truth Social platform. Reports indicate he spoke with Netanyahu and advised against further military action. Trump stated in an interview that the latest tensions would not impact negotiations with Iran, asserting his influence over the situation. Meanwhile, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed a strong stance against Iran.
Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim reported from Ramallah, suggesting that the Israeli government is unlikely to heed calls for de-escalation, particularly in light of the recent rocket attacks from Iran. The political implications of perceived US influence over Israeli military decisions have also been noted, as Netanyahu's reputation as a strong leader could be affected by any appearance of compliance with US directives.
