Iran Launches First Strike on Israel Since April Ceasefire

Iran has launched missile attacks on Israel for the first time since a ceasefire agreement was reached in April, raising fresh fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

The missiles reportedly targeted Israel’s Ramat David Air Base near the northern city of Haifa, in what Tehran described as a response to recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon.

The latest escalation came hours after Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s southern Dahieh district, an area regarded as a stronghold of Hezbollah. Lebanese health authorities said at least two people were killed and about 20 others injured in the attack.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accused Israel of violating the ceasefire arrangement and crossing “all red lines” through its continued military operations in Lebanon.

In a statement, the IRGC warned that Sunday’s missile attack was intended as a signal to Israel and its allies.

“Tonight’s operation was a warning; if aggressions are repeated, the responses will be broader,” the organisation said.

The Iranian military also alleged that repeated attacks on Iranian vessels and interests in regional waters, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman, had contributed to the decision to launch the strike.

The attack marks a significant development in the regional crisis, as it is the first direct Iranian assault on Israel since hostilities were halted earlier this year following months of conflict involving Iran, Israel, the United States and allied groups across the region.

Tensions had been mounting in recent weeks after Iran warned it could retaliate if Israeli operations in Lebanon continued. Israel, however, has maintained that its military campaign is aimed at weakening Hezbollah and preventing threats to its national security.

The renewed hostilities come despite growing international concern over the fragile ceasefire. Several world leaders and international organisations have urged restraint amid fears that further escalation could destabilise the region.

Following the missile strike, Iranian authorities announced the closure of airspace over the western part of the country until further notice, signalling concerns over possible retaliatory action.

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump called on Tehran to return to negotiations with Washington and avoid further military confrontation.

“What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles; that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal,” Trump said during a phone interview with Fox News.

Efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement between the United States and Iran have remained stalled over disputes involving uranium enrichment and navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest exchange has heightened uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire and raised concerns that the conflict could spread further across the region if diplomatic efforts fail.