Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to launch a forceful retaliation after Iran fired two ballistic missiles at Israel, violating the recently brokered ceasefire. The missiles, launched shortly after the truce was meant to take effect, were successfully intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems.
In a statement issued this morning, Katz said the IDF had been directed to carry out “intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran,” characterizing Iran’s actions as a “blatant breach” of the ceasefire agreement. The directive follows a high-level security assessment attended by Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump just a day earlier, was intended to end nearly two weeks of hostilities between Israel and Iran. However, tensions flared again almost immediately, with missile sirens sounding across northern Israel on Tuesday and the subsequent confirmed attack from Iran.
This latest development escalates fears that the fragile ceasefire could collapse entirely, drawing both countries back into open conflict. Military officials in Israel have indicated that operations targeting high-value regime assets in Tehran may commence within hours, pending further strategic assessments.
As the situation deteriorates, global powers are urging restraint, while regional actors prepare for potential spillover effects. The international community remains on edge, closely monitoring what could become a renewed and intensified phase of the conflict.
