Iran Claims It Struck Nevatim & Tel Nof Air Bases In Israel

Tensions across West Asia have intensified sharply after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a new round of strikes against Israeli military infrastructure, according to Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency.

The operation, named 'Operation Nasr', reportedly targeted strategic sections of Israel's Nevatim and Tel Nof air bases, both regarded as key assets within the country's air force network. Iranian officials described the attacks as a direct response to recent Israeli missile strikes that allegedly hit radar installations at three separate locations inside Iran.

In a statement, the IRGC said its Aerospace Force had launched the operation in retaliation for what it called Israeli aggression, adding that the strikes were carried out by its "brave fighters" with confidence in achieving their objectives.

The latest exchange comes as the confrontation between the two regional rivals continues to widen. Shortly before Iran's announcement, Israel confirmed carrying out air strikes on targets in south-western Iran. In a post on X, the Israeli military said its air force had struck several sites within the Mahshahr petrochemical complex, an important industrial facility located along Iran's energy-rich coastline.

Israeli authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of the damage caused by the operation, stating that further information will be released after assessments are completed.'

Meanwhile, air raid sirens sounded across central and southern Israel following reports of missile launches from Iran. The Israeli military said its air defence systems had been activated to intercept incoming threats, while emergency alerts were sent to residents instructing them to move to protected areas.

The seriousness of the situation was highlighted by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who reported from a shelter that explosions could be heard overhead. Writing on X, he expressed hope that the sounds were from successful interceptions and criticised the Iranian leadership, describing the country as a continuing threat to regional security.

The renewed hostilities follow the collapse of a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since 8 April. Earlier on Monday, Iran launched strikes against Israel for the first time since the truce began, prompting retaliatory action from Israel and triggering explosions across parts of Iran.

The breakdown of the ceasefire is linked to earlier Israeli operations targeting Hezbollah command facilities in Beirut's southern suburbs, despite calls from Washington to avoid further escalation. Following those attacks, the IRGC warned that any additional military action could provoke a broader response against both Israeli and American interests throughout the region, including areas near the Strait of Hormuz.

The warnings have also drawn reactions from Iranian-aligned groups elsewhere in the region. Iraq-based militia Kata'ib Hezbollah issued a statement threatening attacks on US military bases and interests if Washington became directly involved in the conflict.

The renewed violence has cast doubt over diplomatic efforts aimed at ending a war that began on 28 February. It also threatens ongoing attempts by US President Donald Trump to secure a new nuclear agreement with Tehran and prevent a wider regional conflict.

Trump has recently urged restraint from both sides and has reportedly pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid actions that could derail negotiations. In media interviews, Trump suggested that continued retaliation would only prolong a conflict that has already lasted decades in various forms.

Speaking to Fox News, the US President said negotiations were close to producing an agreement before the latest escalation occurred. He called on Iran to halt further attacks and return to negotiations, arguing that diplomacy remained the best route to preventing a wider war.

According to Axios, Trump also held a phone conversation with Netanyahu following the initial Iranian missile launches in an effort to contain the crisis. He downplayed the impact of the strikes, expressing hope that Israel would refrain from further retaliation.

In separate remarks to the Financial Times, Trump maintained that any future agreement between Washington and Tehran would ultimately move forward despite objections, insisting that all parties would eventually have to accept a negotiated settlement.

As military activity continues on both sides, concerns are growing that the conflict could expand beyond the immediate Israel-Iran confrontation, drawing in regional militias, international powers and key strategic waterways.