Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jun 8: Iran and Israel exchanged fresh threats after Tehran launched missiles towards Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, raising fears of a wider regional conflict and undermining a fragile ceasefire that had largely held since April.

The Israeli military said multiple missiles were fired from Iran towards northern Israel on Sunday, marking the first direct Iranian missile attack since the ceasefire came into effect. Israeli air defence systems intercepted the incoming missiles, and no major casualties were immediately reported.

Iran said the missile barrage was a response to Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. Tehran had earlier warned that any attack on Beirut would trigger retaliation and described the missile launches as a warning to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes on Beirut, saying they were carried out in response to attacks launched by Hezbollah against northern Israel. Israel subsequently vowed to intensify its operations in Lebanon if cross-border attacks continue.

Iranian officials warned that any further Israeli military action in Lebanon or against Iranian interests would invite a stronger response. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps indicated that additional missile and drone attacks could follow if hostilities persist.

The escalation prompted concern from the international community, with diplomatic efforts underway to prevent the conflict from expanding further. US President Donald Trump reportedly urged restraint and called on both sides to avoid actions that could derail ongoing efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

The latest exchange has heightened fears of a broader Middle East conflict involving Israel, Iran and Hezbollah, with regional leaders closely monitoring developments.