Dubai, Israel and Iran launched retaliatory strikes against each other early Monday, raising the risk of a major regional war across West Asia. Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen also attacked Jerusalem and warned of targeting Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea, further escalating tensions.

Israel targeted central and western parts of Iran early Monday in response to a series of missile attacks from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran again struck Israel. This is the most serious military clash between the two countries since a ceasefire was implemented on April 8. Explosions were heard in central Israel as its air defense system intercepted Iranian missiles.

An Iranian official warned Monday that the United States would be responsible for any consequences if Israel escalates tensions in West Asia. The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry told journalists in Tehran on Monday, “No one believes that the Israeli regime would take any action without coordination with the United States.”

Iran-Israel tensions rise again, warnings of retaliatory strikes

The Revolutionary Guard said, “The United States is responsible for the aggression of the Israeli regime and will also be responsible for the consequences of any escalation.” Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard stated it targeted two Israeli military bases, describing the attacks as part of a “victory operation.” It said these missiles were launched after Israel struck radar sites in three areas of Iran.

Tehran had warned of retaliation on Sunday, when Israel, disregarding U.S. objections, struck the southern suburbs of Beirut without warning. Monday marks 100 days since the Iran war began on February 28, when Israel and the United States killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian leaders.

Both sides agreed to a formal ceasefire on April 8, but numerous obstacles remain on the path to lasting peace, including Iran’s occupation of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing fighting between Israel and the Lebanese Shia militia Hezbollah. With threats looming over global energy supplies, Iran still holding large stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, and Houthi rebels entering the fray, the risk of the war fully reigniting appears to be increasing.

White House silent, Trump advised Israel to show restraint

The White House did not respond to questions about the Israeli strikes or any coordination with the United States. A senior U.S. official said Sunday that President Donald Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and advised him not to immediately respond to the Iranian missile attack.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Trump believed Netanyahu was ready to halt attacks. The official stated, Trump “has convinced Netanyahu for now.” No further details of the phone call were provided, and there was no response from Netanyahu’s office. Trump had earlier told a Fox News correspondent that he wanted Iran to stop attacks and return to the negotiating table. He also said Israel’s strikes on Lebanon on Sunday were not coordinated with the United States and “I am angry about this.”

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for an attack on Israel and said Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea would again be their targets. This has raised threats to the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the connecting Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The statement by a Houthi military spokesman was broadcast on the Houthis’ Al-Masirah satellite news channel.

Panic from blasts in Iran, missile alert also issued in Saudi Arabia

Iranian state television reported that explosions were heard in Isfahan, Karaj, Tabriz, and Tehran. However, no detailed information has been provided yet. A witness in Tehran reported hearing a large blast in the western part of the capital. Following the Israeli strikes, Iran closed the airspace around Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport.

Semi-official news agencies Fars and Mehr reported that Israeli strikes targeted a petrochemical plant in the town of Mahshahr in Khuzestan province. No details on damage were provided. Later, the Israeli military also confirmed the attack on the petrochemical plant.

Meanwhile, sirens blared in Saudi Arabia on Monday morning

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Jerusalem

Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest and most historically significant cities, sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its history spans over 3,000 years, including periods of rule by King David, the Roman Empire, and various Islamic caliphates, leading to its complex religious and political significance. Key sites like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock reflect its layered cultural and spiritual heritage.

Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Historically, it has been a crucial trade route for centuries, and today, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through it, making it a key chokepoint for global energy supplies. Its geopolitical importance has often led to tensions, particularly between Iran and other nations, over control of the strait.

Red Sea

The Red Sea is a narrow, elongated seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. Historically significant as a vital trade route since ancient times, it was a key corridor for maritime commerce and cultural exchange, notably connecting the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. Its name may derive from the seasonal blooms of red-hued algae or the red mountains bordering its shores.

Gulf of Aden

The Gulf of Aden is a deep-water gulf located between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia in the Horn of Africa, connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Historically, it has been a vital maritime trade route for centuries, linking the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade networks, and was significant during the age of European colonialism. In modern times, it remains a crucial waterway for global shipping, though it has also gained notoriety for piracy and geopolitical tensions.

Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a strategically vital waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, located between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa. Historically, it has served as a key maritime trade route for centuries, linking the Mediterranean world to Asia, and its name, meaning “Gate of Tears” in Arabic, reflects the perilous currents and historical shipwrecks in the area. Today, the strait remains a crucial chokepoint for global oil and cargo shipments, often at the center of geopolitical tensions.

Imam Khomeini International Airport

Imam Khomeini International Airport, located near Tehran, Iran, opened in 2004 to serve as the country’s primary international gateway, replacing the older Mehrabad Airport for long-haul flights. Named after the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the airport has faced several delays and controversies during its construction, including disputes with foreign contractors. Today, it handles millions of passengers annually and connects Iran to major destinations across the globe.

Mahshahr

Mahshahr is a port city in Khuzestan Province, Iran, located along the Persian Gulf. Historically, it developed as a major hub for the oil and petrochemical industries in the 20th century, with its Bandar-e Mahshahr port playing a key role in Iran’s energy exports. The city is also known for its unique natural landscape, including the nearby Hoor al-Azim wetland.

Khuzestan province

Khuzestan province, located in southwestern Iran, is historically significant as the heartland of the ancient Elamite civilization and later the Achaemenid Empire, with its capital at Susa. It was also the site of major battles during the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s. Today, it is known for its rich oil resources, diverse ethnic groups, and cultural landmarks such as the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System.