Iran launches missiles at Israel for first time since April ceasefire
Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel on Sunday, marking the first direct bombardment since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April. Israel's military said it intercepted the incoming missiles, and air raid sirens sent millions of Israelis into shelters. Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirmed the attack, calling it retaliation for an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs earlier the same day.
Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said "Iran has made a grave mistake." Military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that Israeli forces would "strike the enemy with determination as soon as the order is given." Iran closed its western airspace in anticipation of possible counterstrikes.
Trump intervenes to prevent immediate Israeli response
President Donald Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convinced him to "hold off for the time being" on immediate retaliation, according to a senior U.S. official. Trump told Fox News he wants Iran to stop firing and return to talks. However, he also told the Financial Times, "I call all the shots. He (Netanyahu) doesn't call the shots." The White House has made clear it does not want a full-scale regional war.
Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi held calls with counterparts in France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan's army chief after the missile launches. Iraq announced a 72-hour airspace closure, and Syria announced a 12-hour closure. All flights from Tehran's main airport were suspended.
Hezbollah fires at northern Israel as tensions spread
Hezbollah also fired at northern Israel on Sunday, claiming responsibility and rejecting the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire brokered in U.S.-hosted talks. Israel hit a residential building in Beirut's southern suburbs, killing two people and wounding 20, despite U.S. requests not to attack the Lebanese capital. The Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran's grip as the U.S. continues a blockade of Iranian ports, affecting oil, gas, and fertilizer shipments across the region.