Iran, Israel Trade Blows in First Clash Since Truce
AFP
Jerusalem/Tehran/Beirut: Regional tensions have intensified following a series of missile strikes and counterstrikes involving Israel, Iran, and allied groups, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict triggered by earlier US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
No casualties have been reported so far in either Israel or Iran following the latest exchange of fire. However, the attacks have included strikes on an Iranian petrochemical complex as well as missile launches toward Israel by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The Israeli military said it had targeted and dismantled Iranian air defence systems deployed across several locations. Meanwhile, explosions were heard in Jerusalem and the West Bank city of Ramallah, with the Israeli army reporting interception of incoming Iranian missiles.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for strikes targeting Israel’s Nevatim and Tel Nof air bases, describing the attacks as retaliation for what they called aggression by the Israeli side.
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Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accused the United States of being complicit in the escalation, stating that Washington and Tel Aviv were closely coordinated. He warned that renewed fighting could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts, although he added that consultations were continuing “in all circumstances.”
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement also announced a missile attack on Israel, the first since early April, and declared a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, raising concerns over renewed disruption to key global shipping routes.
“We declare a complete and total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea,” the group said, warning of further escalation.
Former US President Donald Trump called for restraint, urging Iran to return to negotiations, while also stating in interviews that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “doesn’t call the shots” on US policy decisions. Israel, however, accused Tehran of a “grave mistake” and warned of further consequences.
International reactions followed swiftly, with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urging both sides to de-escalate and return to negotiations. China also called for restraint, saying renewed hostilities serve no party’s interest.
Tensions further escalated after Iran reportedly targeted locations in Iraqi Kurdistan, which Tehran claims are linked to groups it accuses of serving Western or Israeli interests.
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Separately, Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern Dahiyeh district killed at least two people and injured 20 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Israel said the strike targeted a militant command centre in response to attacks launched from Lebanese territory, while Hezbollah confirmed missile and drone strikes on Israeli military positions.
Iranian officials warned that US and Israeli assets could be considered “legitimate targets” if attacks continue, further raising regional tensions.
The ongoing conflict has also impacted global oil markets, with crude prices rising amid concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy shipping route.
Meanwhile, civilians in Iran expressed growing frustration over worsening living conditions and uncertainty. “Everything is horrible. We only try to survive,” said one resident of Ahvaz, describing rising prices and daily hardship.
Amid the escalation, diplomatic channels remain active. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently visited Tehran carrying what Iranian state media described as a “special letter” for Iran’s leadership before returning to Pakistan, according to official sources.
