Air raid sirens wailed across Israel on Sunday as the military intercepted a wave of incoming missiles launched from Iran, marking the first major escalation since a ceasefire was agreed earlier in the Middle East conflict.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described the strike as a “warning”, following an earlier Israeli attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Tehran also warned of wider retaliation if further strikes are carried out.
The renewed hostilities come despite an April ceasefire that had temporarily halted large-scale fighting between Iran, Israel and the United States. However, diplomatic efforts to solidify a long-term settlement have repeatedly stalled.
Israeli authorities confirmed that air defence systems were activated to intercept multiple waves of missiles, with the military stating it was “identifying and intercepting threats” as they entered Israeli airspace.
The escalation followed an Israeli strike on a militant command centre in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, which reportedly killed two people and injured around 20 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Hezbollah later confirmed it had launched missiles and drones towards Israeli military positions, further intensifying the confrontation in the region.
Iranian officials accused the United States of indirectly supporting the Beirut strike, with senior figures warning that US and Israeli assets could be considered “legitimate targets” if attacks continue.
Shortly after the missile launches, Iran temporarily closed its western airspace, while Iraq and Syria also imposed similar restrictions amid rising regional tensions.
In Iran, civilians expressed growing anxiety over the prolonged conflict and worsening economic conditions, with many describing daily life as increasingly difficult and uncertain.
Meanwhile, diplomatic engagements continued behind the scenes, including discussions involving Pakistani officials attempting to mediate between Tehran and Washington.
US Central Command also reported intercepting drones it said posed a threat to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the broader regional security risks linked to the ongoing conflict.
