Middle East crisis live: Israel says it has struck targets in central and western Iran

What Happened

The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes against military targets in central and western Iran early on Monday, according to an official statement from the Israel Defense Forces. Iranian state media reported explosions in Isfahan, Karaj, Tabriz, and Tehran, while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed the strikes involved air-launched ballistic missiles. In response to the escalation, Israel cancelled schools nationwide and restricted large gatherings. Simultaneously, the Israeli military reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, while Iranian officials announced plans to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The resumption of direct hostilities between Israel and Iran threatens to destabilize the broader Middle East and disrupt global energy markets. The conflict, which has reached its 100th day, risks further regional escalation through the involvement of proxies such as the Houthis in Yemen and the potential closure or taxation of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil and gas transit.

Watch For

Monitor for further Iranian responses to the airstrikes, potential shifts in the status of the Strait of Hormuz transit fees, and the impact of the nationwide school closures and gathering restrictions on Israeli domestic stability. Additionally, track any further missile activity from Yemen or developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.