Iran launches missile attack on Israel

Israel reported that Iran launched missiles toward its territory, marking the first such attack since a fragile truce took effect in early April. This new escalation complicates ongoing mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ending the war.

Tehran had previously signaled potential retaliation after an Israeli strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut. This warning came despite recent calls from Washington for both sides to exercise restraint. Israel characterized its own action as a response to earlier strikes by the Iran-backed Hezbollah against northern Israel.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had warned that the Israeli military must cease its attacks in Lebanon. They stated that if Israel expanded its operations or retaliated against Iran's actions, it would face "more devastating blows." A statement from the IRGC's supreme joint military command emphasized prior warnings, noting that if "crimes in the Dahieh area of Beirut" expanded, targets in "occupied territories" would be struck.

The Israeli raid in Beirut occurred shortly after a ceasefire agreement between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, brokered with U.S. assistance. However, Hezbollah rejected this agreement, contributing to the continued tension in the region. The attack on a residential building resulted in two deaths and 20 injuries, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Health. Authorities remain on high alert amid fears of further escalation.