Israel strikes Iranian radar site hours after Trump declares ceasefire ‘in effect’

Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply on Tuesday, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed a ceasefire between the two nations was “in effect.” Contrary to Trump’s announcement, explosions were reported in northern Iran, specifically in the cities of Babol and Babolsar.

According to Iranian media, the strikes triggered air defense responses in the region. Israeli officials confirmed to The Times of Israel that a limited military operation targeted an Iranian radar installation north of Tehran. The strike was reportedly in retaliation to ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran earlier in the day.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later issued a statement confirming the death of Mohammad Taghi Yousefvand, the commander of intelligence protection for Iran’s Basij paramilitary forces. He was reportedly killed in an Israeli missile strike that took place on Monday afternoon, hitting multiple locations in Tehran.

Adding to the mounting crisis, Iranian media claimed that a prominent nuclear scientist, Mohammad-Reza Sedighi Saber, was also killed in an Israeli strike at his home in Astaneh Ashrafieh in northern Iran.

These developments have further strained the fragile truce that the U.S. had brokered. President Trump, visibly agitated, reacted strongly to the apparent breach. He warned Israel to “bring your pilots home, now” and not to launch further strikes. Trump is also reported to have personally called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to halt any additional military action.

Despite Trump’s plea, Netanyahu initially refused to cancel the strike, citing the need for a response to Iran’s earlier missile launch. Following their conversation, Netanyahu’s office released a statement indicating that President Trump “expressed his immense appreciation for Israel” and was confident in the stability of the ceasefire. Netanyahu added that Israel refrained from launching further attacks after the call.

While Tuesday’s events marked a serious escalation, the situation remained calm later in the day with no additional strikes reported.

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