Israeli air strikes rock Iran following missile barrage from Tehran

Jerusalem/Tehran: Explosions were reported across several major Iranian cities in the early hours of Monday as Israel intensified its military operations against Iran.

Iranian state television reported blasts in the capital, Tehran, as well as in Isfahan and Tabriz, following what Israel described as strikes on Iranian military targets.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said its operations were being directed by Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir and other senior military commanders from the Israeli Air Force's operations room. In a statement posted on X, the military said senior officers had been conducting ongoing assessments and overseeing strikes in Iran.

The IDF also said it was in "full readiness for both attack and defense" and remained prepared to continue operations "across all sectors" against threats to Israel.

Fragile calm under pressure

The latest strikes mark a further escalation in tensions between the two countries and come after renewed exchanges of missile attacks.

The developments have raised concerns over the stability of a fragile ceasefire that had helped reduce direct hostilities in recent months. The renewed confrontation has fuelled fears of a broader conflict and increased uncertainty across the region.

Diplomatic challenges deepen

The military escalation comes at a sensitive moment for diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further violence.

With Israeli strikes targeting locations inside Iran and both sides signalling military readiness, prospects for de-escalation have become increasingly uncertain. The latest developments are expected to place additional pressure on ongoing mediation efforts and wider regional stability.