Israel-Iran conflict escalates with renewed strikes despite ceasefire fears

Israel has carried out air strikes in western and central Iran after Tehran fired missiles towards northern Israel, marking a dangerous escalation in tensions between the two countries. 

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes targeted military sites, though officials did not disclose full details of the locations or extent of damage. Iranian state media confirmed explosions in several cities, including Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan and Karaj.

The exchange of fire is the first direct confrontation between the two nations since a fragile ceasefire was agreed two months ago. Iran has warned that its operations represent “the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes,” while Israel says its actions were in response to earlier missile attacks and continued regional threats involving Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups.

The escalation follows a series of interconnected regional attacks, including Israeli air raids on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, which Iran and its allies described as violations of the ceasefire. The Israeli military maintains its operations are defensive, aimed at countering rocket fire from Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

International reactions have raised concern over the widening conflict, with reports that US President Donald Trump urged Israel not to retaliate further, warning that continued escalation could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran. Trump was quoted as saying the Iranian strikes “didn’t hurt anybody” and that both sides should avoid further attacks.

Key developments reported by BBC News Live:

Israel struck military targets in western and central Iran following Iranian missile fire into northern Israel.

Iran confirmed explosions in multiple cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Karaj.

Iran declared its response would continue for “a full week of continuous strikes.”

Israeli officials say their operations are in retaliation for earlier Iranian attacks and regional hostilities involving Hezbollah.

US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israel to avoid further retaliation amid fears of a wider regional war.