Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles toward Israel on Sunday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking a major escalation in regional tensions and threatening to unravel fragile ceasefire efforts across the Middle East.
According to Israeli military officials, several missiles were fired from Iran in multiple waves following Israeli strikes that targeted Hezbollah-linked sites in Beirut. Israel said its air defense systems intercepted most of the incoming projectiles, with no immediate reports of major casualties.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the missile barrage as a warning to Israel, accusing it of crossing “all red lines” through its attacks on Lebanon. Iranian officials warned that any further escalation could trigger a broader response.
The Israeli strike on Beirut reportedly killed at least two people and injured several others. The attack came amid growing tensions with Hezbollah and raised concerns that the conflict could expand beyond Lebanon’s borders.
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted swiftly to the crisis, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iran. Trump emphasized that escalating military action could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts and increase the risk of a wider regional war. Reports indicate Trump planned direct talks with Netanyahu to prevent further escalation.
The exchange marks the first direct Iranian missile attack on Israel since the ceasefire reached earlier this year, fueling fears of renewed conflict involving Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and other regional actors. International leaders have called for immediate de-escalation as global markets and security officials closely monitor developments.
Analysts warn that any further military response from either side could push the region toward a broader confrontation with significant geopolitical and economic consequences.