Tel aviv: Israel continues to press forward with its military actions against Iran, ignoring requests from U.S. President Donald Trump to halt its offensive. The latest development saw the Israeli military targeting a petrochemical plant in Mahshahr, located in the southwestern region of Iran. This attack is significant as it marks the first time Iranian energy infrastructure has been targeted since a temporary ceasefire was declared on April 8.
According to Thai News Agency, the situation escalated further when Hezbollah conducted a rocket attack in northern Israel. In response, Israel carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in the Dahiyeh neighborhood south of Beirut. The airstrikes resulted in two deaths and injuries to more than 20 individuals. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed that the attack on Beirut breached the ceasefire agreement, and consequently, they launched at least 11 guided missiles targeting military sites, including an air base in northern Israel. This action triggered air raid sirens in Jerusalem, marking the first cross-border attack from Iran since the ceasefire.
In the early hours of Monday, Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian military objectives in central and western regions. Explosions were reported in key Iranian cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, and Tabriz. This led to the closure of airspace around Imam Khomeini International Airport. The Mahshahr petrochemical attack resulted in the evacuation of daytime workers from the economic zone, though no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Israeli military confirmed that the airstrikes involved dozens of fighter jets aiming to dismantle Iran's strategic air defense systems in central and western areas. The operation resulted in the destruction of air defense systems that Iran had recently deployed to restore its capabilities, thereby increasing the Israeli Air Force's operational freedom in Iranian airspace.
Despite President Trump's urging for restraint to safeguard ongoing peace negotiations, Israel proceeded with its military action. Trump expressed his displeasure with Israel's actions, emphasizing that the U.S. and Iran are on the brink of a preliminary peace agreement and warned Iran to adhere to the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities and the IRGC have warned that the United States bears responsibility for the renewed conflict due to its inability to restrain Israel, and they threatened retaliation against any further aggression, which could include targeting U.S. bases and assets throughout the Middle East.