Ceasefire fractures as Iran and Israel exchange direct military strikes
Iran releases footage of missile barrages while Israel confirms strikes on western and central Iran, defying US calls for restraint.
Iran has released visual footage of missiles launched at Israel, describing the offensive as the start of a full week of continuous strikes. This development marks the first reciprocal direct military engagement between the two nations since a fragile ceasefire was established two months ago, shattering the diplomatic arrangement that halted five weeks of conflict in early April 2026.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it struck military targets in western and central Iran, with reports of explosions in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. However, the military did not specify the scale of damage or provide exact locations for the operations. In a coordinated move, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also targeted locations in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan, which they described as headquarters for terrorist groups.
The escalation follows an Israeli attack on the southern suburbs of Beirut in late May 2026, which resulted in two deaths and 20 injuries. Iranian officials attributed this strike to Hezbollah positions, prompting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to hold discussions with counterparts in Britain, France, Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan regarding ceasefire violations prior to the current hostilities.
The exchange of fire occurred despite explicit calls for restraint from US President Donald Trump, who had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate. Trump reportedly instructed Netanyahu to exercise caution, asserting Washington’s influence over the conflict’s decision-making process, although reports suggest the Prime Minister disregarded these instructions.
President Trump stated that both sides were seeking an immediate ceasefire and that final peace negotiations were proceeding, though he cautioned that progress remained subject to ignorance or stupidity. He indicated that a blockade would remain in full force until a final deal was reached, urging both nations to stop shooting as diplomatic efforts continue to unravel.
