Iran launched missiles at Israel on Sunday for the first time since an April ceasefire took hold in the Middle East war, prompting air raid sirens across Israel and a vow from Israeli military leaders to strike back. The United States said it shot down two Iranian drones threatening the Strait of Hormuz.
Attack Details
Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards called the attack a "warning" after Israel struck Beirut's southern suburbs earlier in the day. The Israeli military said it intercepted 11 missiles, with no casualties reported. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military chief, vowed to "strike the enemy with force as soon as the green light is given."
US Involvement
President Donald Trump reportedly called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advise against retaliation. "I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate," Trump was quoted as saying by Axios journalist Barak Ravid. "Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don't need another one," Trump reportedly said. A US official confirmed the call, but the White House has not issued a readout.
Escalation in Lebanon
The attack followed an Israeli strike on a militant command centre in Beirut's Dahiyeh district, killing two people and wounding 20, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Hezbollah confirmed launching missiles and drones at Israeli army barracks early Sunday. Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of giving a "green light" for the Beirut attack, declaring US and Israeli assets "legitimate targets."
Regional Fallout
Iran closed its airspace over the country's west, while Iraq and Syria followed suit. Tehran suspended all incoming flights to its international airport. The escalation comes as the Middle East war reaches its 100th day, with efforts to turn the ceasefire into a settlement stalled.
Human Impact
Iranians are feeling the strain of weeks of uncertainty. "I really have gone numb," said Elaheh, a fitness trainer from Ahvaz. "Daily life? It's a joke. Everything is horrible. We only try to survive," she added, pointing to rising prices. Chef Farhad, 35, said life was becoming "increasingly difficult."
Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran, delivering a "special letter" from Pakistan's army chief to Iran's supreme leader. Pakistani military leader Syed Asim Munir has played a key role in mediating between Iran and the US. However, Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, told CNN negotiations with the US "are at a deadlock, and Trump must break this deadlock," calling for the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets. Trump said he would not unfreeze assets before reaching an initial agreement.
