Israeli Air Force Strikes in Iran, Petrochemical Complex in Mahshahr Hit

After the launches from Iran toward Israel, which came in response to the Israeli strike in the Dahieh neighborhood of Beirut, the Air Force struck military targets of the Iranian regime across the Islamic Republic overnight and this morning (Monday). Most of the targets struck during the night were air defense targets in Iran, and this morning the Air Force attacked the petrochemical complex in Mahshahr in southwestern Iran. The IDF assessment is that the round of fighting will continue for several days, and military officials said: "We are in full coordination with the United States. The effort is to achieve freedom of action over Iran. The objective is to distinguish between Lebanon and Iran and continue weakening the regime." The Home Front Command updated its guidelines, schools were canceled nationwide and public gatherings were restricted. All updates from the day of fighting on the strike on the petrochemical complex in Mahshahr were released by the IDF Spokesperson: "The Air Force, guided precisely by Military Intelligence, struck several infrastructures this morning in the petrochemical complex in Mahshahr, which were used by the armed forces subordinate to the Iranian terror regime to produce and export raw materials for weapons. The infrastructures that were struck produced unique materials used as essential components in the development of ballistic missiles, which pose a direct threat to the State of Israel and its citizens. These are critical components in the production infrastructures existing in the complex for the Iranian terror regime's missile program. The strike joins several additional strikes carried out against the complex during Operation Rising Lion." Earlier this morning, the IDF Spokesperson confirmed that dozens of Air Force fighter jets completed a wide strike against strategic defense systems of the Iranian regime. It was further said that in recent period defense systems were deployed in several different areas in Iran, as part of the regime's efforts to restore its detection and defense capabilities that were damaged in Operation "Rising Lion," and the strike led to the destruction of these systems: "In Operation 'Rising Lion,' the IDF dealt a severe blow to the defense systems of the Iranian terror regime. The strikes that have been completed further deepen the Air Force's freedom of action in the skies over Iran." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held consultations throughout the night with the IDF and the heads of the security services, at the end of which they decided to strike and respond in Iran. At the political level, officials stress that any fire from Iran will be met with a powerful response, and that any fire from Lebanon toward Israel will be met with a strike in Dahieh. IDF officials say it is not clear why Hezbollah has not fired so far, but add: "We are preparing for Hezbollah fire throughout the country." Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Omer Tishler and senior IDF officers are holding ongoing situational assessments and commanding IDF strikes in Iran from the Air Force bunker in the Kirya. Iran closed the airspace around Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, the country's largest airport. In addition, Iranian media outlets report the suspension of inbound flights to the airport until further notice, due to the "mutual military escalation." Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said Israel targeted Iranian ground-to-ground missile launch sites, as well as infrastructure facilities not related to the energy sector. "The people of Lebanon oppose Iran's proxy, Hezbollah, and demanded that Iran leave their country," he said. "If Hezbollah fires at Israel, its command centers in Dahieh will be hit hard." Overnight, the IDF said the Air Force intercepted all the launches, and fires were reported at several locations following the interceptions. No casualties were reported, apart from a 79-year-old woman who was injured while making her way to a protected area and was evacuated in moderate condition. US President Donald Trump addressed Iran before the Israeli strikes and said: "You fired your missiles, that is enough. Go back to negotiations and sign a deal." The chief of staff said in an assessment with the General Staff Forum: "The IDF will strike the enemy with force when the green light is given." The launches came after two months without fire from Iran toward Israel, since the ceasefire was declared on April 8, after 40 days of the war "Rising Lion." IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Efi Defrin addressed the public in a statement and said: "The IDF is strongly prepared in defense and strongly prepared in attack. Air defense systems are deployed throughout the country. The Iranian regime made a grave mistake when it once again chose terrorism and is trying to create a new equation by carrying out direct fire at our territory in response to IDF strikes in Dahieh, we will not allow this." Brig. Gen. Defrin added: "We struck in Dahieh in response to Hezbollah's nonstop fire at northern communities. The IDF will continue to operate throughout Lebanon and deepen the damage to Hezbollah. We will not allow fire toward the State of Israel. In line with the situational assessment, we announced changes to Home Front Command instructions, and we are prepared for the possibility of additional fire at us. Our defense systems are excellent, but the defense is not hermetic. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure your safety. The IDF is prepared and ready." Following the renewed launches from Iran, the ERAN association is increasing its assistance centers as needed to provide an expanded response to the public. If you are experiencing emotional distress, ERAN provides life-saving 24/7 anonymous and immediate emotional first aid for any mental distress. For emotional support, call 1201 24/7, WhatsApp 052-8451201, and chat on the ERAN website.