JERUSALEM — Tensions escalated once again in the Middle East on Tuesday as Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, ordered intense military strikes against key regime targets in central Tehran, accusing Iran of violating a proposed ceasefire agreement.
In an official statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Katz said he had directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to respond “decisively” to what he called Iran’s deliberate breach of the ceasefire, adding that the new round of attacks would focus on strategic government and military sites in Iran’s capital.
“I have directed the Israel Defense Forces to respond decisively to Iran’s ceasefire violation with powerful strikes on regime sites in central Tehran,” the minister stated, reaffirming Israel’s position that it would act unilaterally to protect its citizens and national security interests.
The announcement came just hours after conflicting reports emerged regarding a potential truce between the two rival nations. Iranian state media denied launching any fresh missile attacks on Israel after the ceasefire reportedly took effect, insisting that Tehran had halted operations conditional on Israeli restraint.
Iran’s Foreign Minister reiterated that the Islamic Republic would maintain its defensive posture only if Israel stopped its offensive campaign. “Iran is committed to halting further military action as long as Israel ends its bombardments,” he stated during a press conference in Tehran.
The ceasefire, which had been publicly declared earlier by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his social media platform, remains largely unofficial. Trump urged both sides to observe the ceasefire, writing: “The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!”
However, Israeli officials have yet to formally confirm participation in any truce, with military sources noting that Israel had reserved the right to respond to what it perceives as ongoing Iranian threats.
Earlier, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that the missile exchanges had ended and declared that a ceasefire was “imposed” on Israel after Tehran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting strategic locations. While the report claimed calm had returned, Tuesday’s retaliatory strikes by Israel indicated that hostilities had not yet been fully contained.
The situation remains fluid, with fears of a full-scale regional conflict looming. International observers, including the United Nations and European Union, have urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and return to diplomatic engagement.
