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Israel and Iran exchanged direct military strikes overnight for the first time since April, escalating tensions and casting doubt on ongoing ceasefire efforts.
How the escalation began
Late on June 7, Israel carried out airstrikes on the Dahiyeh district in southern Beirut, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. The attack marked Israel's third strike on the Lebanese capital since the ceasefire framework involving the United States, Iran, and Israel was established in April.
U.S. President Donald Trump later stated that the operation had not been coordinated with Washington and said he was dissatisfied with the move.
Iran launches missiles
Hours later, Iran responded by firing approximately ten ballistic missiles toward Israel in three separate waves. According to Israeli military officials, all of the missiles were intercepted, and no direct-impact casualties were reported.
Several people were reportedly injured while seeking shelter. Authorities closed schools across Israel, while neighboring Iraq and Syria temporarily shut their airspace. Air raid alerts were also activated in Jordan as missiles passed overhead.
The United States closed its embassy in Tel Aviv and instructed personnel to remain in protected locations.
Trump urges restraint
Following the Iranian missile launches, Trump reportedly spoke directly with Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him to avoid a military response in order to preserve ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
Trump also called on Iran to return to diplomatic talks, warning against further escalation.
Israeli retaliation
Israel rejected calls for restraint and launched strikes early on June 8 against missile launchers and military infrastructure in western and central Iran.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. Iranian media reported no fatalities from the strikes.
Later on Monday morning, the Israeli military said a new wave of Iranian missiles had been launched toward Israel, signaling that the confrontation was continuing despite diplomatic efforts to contain it.
