Israel has launched airstrikes on Tehran in what it says is retaliation for Iran’s violation of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that had only just come into effect, marking a dramatic escalation in the 12-day conflict between the two arch-enemies.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced late Monday that he had ordered the military to conduct “intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran” after Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles in defiance of the truce. Israeli media said two missiles were intercepted, but the Israeli Home Front Command had earlier issued alerts for northern regions, including Haifa, signaling the seriousness of the threat.
“The response is forceful and proportional to Iran’s aggression,” Katz was quoted as saying, adding that the Israeli military would not hesitate to act to protect its citizens.
The strikes reportedly targeted Evin Prison in northern Tehran, a notorious facility known for housing political prisoners. Iran's judiciary confirmed the attack through its Mizan news agency, reporting that several individuals, including prison staff and visiting family members, were killed or injured when the administrative wing of the complex was hit. The spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, condemned the assault but did not release casualty figures.
The Iranian government has not issued an official statement regarding the alleged missile launches. However, tensions have surged in both capitals, with fears of wider regional implications.
Meanwhile, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich added fuel to the fire with a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter): “Tehran will tremble.”
Ceasefire in Tatters
The ceasefire, proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and accepted earlier by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared to collapse before it could take full effect. Trump had called on both sides to honor the agreement, hailing it as “a window for peace.” Instead, both nations now appear locked in a cycle of escalation.
The Times of Israel and YNet reported that a single ballistic missile was launched by Iran overnight, though Israeli defense systems intercepted it before it reached populated areas. It remains unclear how many missiles were fired, or whether additional attacks are anticipated. No Iranian source has confirmed the launches, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the latest Israeli retaliation.
Iran Weighs Withdrawal from Nuclear Treaty
Amid the rising tensions, Tehran is reportedly weighing a dramatic step that could redefine its nuclear stance. Professor Foad Izadi of the University of Tehran told Al Jazeera that Iran may invoke Article 10 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to formally withdraw from the agreement in the coming weeks.
“Iran has been cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency under the NPT, but this has brought no protection or benefit,” Izadi said. “Sites monitored by the IAEA have been attacked, violating international law.”
He noted that Israel itself is not a signatory to the NPT, adding that momentum within Iran’s parliament is growing in favor of withdrawal. “This will likely be debated in the next few days,” he said.
If Iran exits the treaty, it would significantly alter global nuclear diplomacy and heighten Western fears of a nuclear-armed Tehran.
Fragile Region on Edge
The renewed violence underscores just how fragile the region’s security environment remains. Analysts say that while both Israel and Iran might still be open to de-escalation, hardliners on both sides are gaining ground.
“There is still a lack of clarity on what exactly happened and whether Iran intended to break the ceasefire or if this was a miscalculation,” said a Middle East security expert speaking anonymously.
With Israel confirming direct hits inside Tehran and reports of casualties emerging, pressure is now mounting on Iran to respond—further narrowing any diplomatic off-ramp.
As both militaries remain on high alert and civilians brace for further violence, observers fear that what began as tit-for-tat strikes could quickly spiral into a broader, more devastating conflict.
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