Israel Strikes Central Iran as Trump Moves to Prevent Wider War

Israel launched a series of airstrikes across central and western Iran early Monday morning, targeting sites in Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Karaj. The strikes followed Iranian missile launches toward Israel, marking the first direct exchange since the April ceasefire. Iranian authorities temporarily closed airspace around Tehran’s main international airport in response to the explosions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a warning that further Israeli military actions, particularly those in Lebanon, would result in 'crushing and regretful' retaliation. In Washington, President Trump has taken a public stance against further escalation, indicating that the U.S. will not participate in additional Israeli retaliatory strikes. Trump framed the current moment as a critical juncture for a potential 'final deal' with Tehran, expressing concern that the cycle of violence could derail diplomatic channels. Despite the military activity, the administration appears focused on maintaining a negotiating track to address regional security and Iran's nuclear program. The conflict continues to involve regional proxies, with the Houthis in Yemen vowing to ban Israeli navigation in the Red Sea. This development adds renewed pressure on global shipping routes and energy markets. While the underlying drivers of the conflict remain tied to Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities, current diplomatic efforts mediated by international partners like Pakistan and China are being tested by the latest round of direct military engagement.