JERUSALEM, Jun 8: Iran fired missiles at Israel on Sunday in the first major escalation since a fragile ceasefire came into effect in April, heightening fears of renewed hostilities across West Asia and complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Iranian state media confirmed the missile launches, while authorities in Tehran shut down western airspace amid expectations of a possible Israeli response. The attack followed Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs earlier in the day, an action Iran had warned could trigger retaliation.
Air raid sirens sounded across several parts of Israel, sending residents to shelters. The Israeli military said its air defence systems intercepted the incoming missiles, though explosions were reported in northern areas. Restrictions were lifted less than an hour later.
Calling the attack a “grave mistake,” Israeli military spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin warned that Iran would face consequences. Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir said the military was prepared to act decisively once ordered.
However, signs emerged that Washington was seeking to prevent a further escalation. According to a senior US official, President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him to delay any immediate retaliation. The official said Trump succeeded in convincing Netanyahu to hold off for the time being.
Trump later indicated that he did not believe an Israeli response was necessary and stressed his preference for diplomatic engagement over a wider military confrontation.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a warning that any repeat of attacks against Iranian interests or its regional allies would invite a broader response targeting both Israeli and American assets across the region.
The latest exchange comes amid heightened tensions following an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed two people and injured 20, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The attack occurred despite recent US backed efforts aimed at reducing hostilities along the Israel Lebanon front.
Regional stability remains fragile as Iran insists that any broader agreement with Washington must address the conflict in Lebanon. Hezbollah, which claimed responsibility for earlier rocket fire into northern Israel, continues to oppose direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
The developments have also disrupted regional aviation. Iraq closed its airspace for 72 hours, while Syria announced a temporary suspension of air traffic. Flights from Tehran’s main international airport were halted indefinitely.
The missile exchange underscores the volatility of the situation despite months of diplomatic efforts and raises fresh concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict.