Iran Strikes Israel for the First Time Since Ceasefire

Iran has launched several missiles at Israel. This marks a new level of violence in the ongoing regional war that has lasted three months. Thousands have died in the conflict across the Middle East.

The missiles hit Israel's Ramat David Air Base, which is about 20 kilometers from Haifa in northern Israel.

These attacks happened just hours after Israel fired missiles into the Dahieh area in southern Lebanon. Iran sees this as a breach of the fragile ceasefire. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that at least two people died and 20 were hurt in the strikes on the Beirut suburb.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that Israel has crossed "all red lines" by attacking the southern suburbs of Beirut and increasing its strikes in southern Lebanon. The IRGC also warned that a larger response would follow if these attacks continue. They said the US and Israel have not kept their promises, continuing attacks on Lebanon and violating the ceasefire by hitting Iranian shores and vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, and the Indian Ocean.

"Tonight’s operation was a warning; if aggressions are repeated, the responses will be broader," the IRGC said, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Iran has frequently warned that Israeli strikes on Lebanon break the ceasefire that ended the war started by the US and Israel against Iran. Hezbollah in Lebanon joined the fight on Iran's side.

Despite calls from the international community, including Pope Leo, France, and the EU, Israel has kept attacking Lebanon. Israel claims it is targeting Hezbollah to make sure the group does not threaten it.

Last week, Iran said it would strike Israel if attacks on Lebanon did not stop. Sunday’s missile launch is the first time Iran has attacked Israel since the ceasefire agreement in April. The US and Iran exchanged missile strikes last week too. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Iran's strike last week, which was in retaliation for a US attack on Qeshm Island, targeted Kuwait. That attack killed one Indian national and left around 60 others injured.

Iran’s state news agency Tasnim reported that Iran has shut down the western part of its airspace until further notice.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is pushing Iran to return to talks. He said, "What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles; that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal," during a phone interview with Fox News.

Peace talks have stalled over issues like Iran’s uranium enrichment and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Last month, Iran and the US announced a preliminary agreement to stop hostilities. Yet, neither side has officially approved or signed the deal.

This attack raises worries that Israel’s actions in Lebanon could impact the US-Iran ceasefire. Last week, Israel targeted the Tyre district in southern Lebanon, killing six people and injuring at least 48 others.