Israel launches new strikes on Tehran as Trump pauses Iran energy attacks
Israel launches new strikes on Tehran as Trump pauses Iran energy attacks
Israeli forces executed a fresh series of attacks on Tehran’s infrastructure, following a statement from Donald Trump indicating a temporary halt in US military actions against Iran’s energy facilities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that it would adhere to government instructions, continuing operations unless otherwise directed. Shortly after Trump declared the pause, citing productive talks with Tehran, the IDF announced on X that it had initiated another wave of strikes targeting the Iranian regime’s infrastructure.
US-Pause in Energy Strikes
Trump shared on social media that Washington and Tehran had engaged in “very good and productive conversations” over the past two days, leading him to order the Department of War to delay strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. This decision, he stated, would remain in effect if the ongoing discussions yielded positive outcomes. However, the IDF confirmed it had already begun its attacks, underscoring its autonomy in military operations.
“We have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations,” Trump wrote. “I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”
An IDF official described the US president’s remarks as a “political echelon matter,” stating that the military was operating under directives from Israel’s leadership and would continue its campaign against Iran “according to its plans until instructed otherwise.” Al Jazeera Arabic’s correspondent in Tehran noted that the scale of explosions in the capital was “unprecedented,” highlighting the intensity of the Israeli strikes.
Escalation and Casualties
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, warned that targeting Iran’s infrastructure would mark a significant escalation. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards retaliated by launching an attack on Israeli sites. In the past 24 hours, HRANA reported at least 206 strikes across 15 provinces in Iran, resulting in four casualties. A child’s death in Monday’s attacks raised concerns, with estimates suggesting 15% of total casualties were under 18.
Fars news agency confirmed six fatalities in Tabriz city due to strikes on residential areas. Since the conflict began, total deaths—military and civilian—have exceeded 1,500, with some rights groups citing figures as high as 3,230 by 21 March. The IDF also reported destroying or neutralizing 330 of Iran’s 470 ballistic missile launchers, with more than half eliminated through airstrikes and others disabled by targeting underground facilities.
Lebanon Operations Continue
Despite the focus on Iran, Israel maintained its military operations in Lebanon. A recent strike in Beirut targeted a militant group linked to Iran’s Quds Force, according to the IDF. Lebanon’s health ministry reported one fatality from the attack. Israeli forces also established positions in the southern village of Aita al-Chaab, deploying a large crane for surveillance and combat readiness.
