Iran launched multiple missile barrages at Israel late Sunday, marking the first direct Iranian strike since a ceasefire was reached in April, as US President Donald Trump rushed to prevent a wider regional conflict and urged both sides to avoid further escalation.
The exchange threatens to unravel the fragile truce that followed weeks of fighting earlier this year. While Israeli authorities reported no immediate casualties or major damage, the missile launches triggered air raid sirens across northern Israel, prompted emergency restrictions nationwide, and led several countries in the region to shut parts of their airspace as fears of a broader conflict resurfaced.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), missiles launched from Iran were detected heading towards Israeli territory, with air defence systems activated to intercept them. The Israeli Air Force said the public had been instructed to move into protected spaces and follow Home Front Command directives.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said it had targeted Israel’s Ramat David Airbase with ballistic missiles. Tehran described the operation as a response to what it called Israel’s repeated violations of the April ceasefire and its military actions in Lebanon.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry later said the strikes were carried out within the framework of the country’s “legitimate right to self-defence” following Israeli actions against both Lebanon and Iran.
Why Iran launched the missiles
The missile attack came hours after Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the Dahieh district, an area associated with Hezbollah. Lebanon’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center said the strikes killed at least two people and injured 20 others.
Israeli authorities said the operation was conducted on the instructions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz after Hezbollah fired towards Israeli territory.
Iranian officials reacted sharply. Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned that any expansion of Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon or retaliation against Iran would invite what he described as “more forceful and regret-inducing blows.”
Iran’s Embassy in India echoed the warning, saying any further escalation by Israel could trigger “devastating operations” against Israel and its supporters.
Trump urges Netanyahu not to retaliate
As tensions mounted, Trump publicly pushed for restraint and said the missile attack should not derail ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
“What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal,” Trump said in remarks reported by US media.
The US President also claimed that negotiations with Iran had been nearing an agreement before the latest exchange.
“We’re very close. I would say an agreement would be signed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. And now this takes place,” he said.
Trump later confirmed he would speak to Netanyahu and urge him not to launch retaliatory strikes.
“I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike, and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one,” he said.
Israeli and US media reported that Trump and Netanyahu subsequently held a phone conversation, though neither office immediately released details.
Israel tightens security as region reacts
Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin described Iran’s action as “a grave mistake” and said the military was prepared for additional missile launches. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was holding consultations and reviewing operational plans, according to Israeli officials.
Authorities imposed fresh civil defence measures across Israel, banning large outdoor gatherings, limiting indoor events, and ordering the closure of schools and beaches. Crossings into Gaza were also shut until further notice.
The fallout quickly spread beyond Israel and Iran.
Jordan said several missiles crossed its airspace. Iraq announced the closure of its airspace for 72 hours, while Syria temporarily suspended operations at Damascus International Airport and restricted flights in parts of the country.
Iran also closed its western airspace and suspended flights at key airports, including Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Fears of wider regional escalation
The latest confrontation has drawn reactions from armed groups and international governments across the region.
Iraqi militia Kata’ib Hezbollah threatened to target US military bases and interests if Washington joins any military action against Iran. Yemen’s Houthi movement voiced support for Tehran’s strikes.
Meanwhile, British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called for immediate de-escalation, saying renewed conflict between Iran and Israel was “in no one’s interest” and warning that continued hostilities could threaten regional stability and global trade.
The latest exchange marks the most serious breach of the April ceasefire and raises fresh concerns that the conflict could spill beyond Israel, Iran and Lebanon, despite diplomatic efforts to prevent another round of full-scale regional warfare.