Israel said Iran launched missiles toward its territory on Sunday, marking the first reported attack since a fragile ceasefire took effect in April and raising concerns that regional tensions could intensify once again.
Air raid sirens sounded across parts of northern Israel as the military said it was attempting to intercept incoming projectiles. Iranian state media confirmed the launches, while explosions were reported in several areas.
The latest exchange followed Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs earlier in the day. Lebanese health officials said two people were killed and around 20 others wounded after a residential building was hit.
Israel described the operation as a response to rockets allegedly fired by Hezbollah toward northern Israeli towns. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility.
The attack on Beirut came only days after Lebanese and Israeli officials held ceasefire discussions hosted by the United States. While both governments signaled support for reducing hostilities, Hezbollah publicly rejected the arrangement.
Iran had earlier warned that renewed attacks on the Lebanese capital could push the region back toward wider confrontation. Tehran has also insisted that any broader diplomatic agreement with Washington should include a halt to fighting in Lebanon.
The Israel-Iran conflict has increasingly drawn in regional actors as mediation efforts continue behind the scenes. Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt have all been involved in attempts to restart negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Pakistan’s interior minister visited Tehran on Sunday and met senior Iranian officials as part of efforts to ease tensions. Egyptian and Qatari diplomats also discussed possible elements of a future agreement, according to statements released by Cairo.
Meanwhile, the United States military said it intercepted two Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of threatening maritime security in the strategic waterway.
Although large-scale fighting eased after the April ceasefire, no permanent settlement has been reached. Continued military exchanges, pressure on shipping routes and uncertainty surrounding negotiations have kept the region on edge.
