‎Israel launches air strikes on Iran following missile barrage

‎Jerusalem, June 8, 2026 — Israel launched air strikes on military targets in western and central Iran early Monday, escalating tensions in the Middle East after Tehran fired multiple waves of missiles toward northern Israel in what Iranian officials described as the beginning of a sustained campaign.
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‎According to the BBC, the Israeli military said its air force targeted military sites linked to the Iranian government but did not immediately disclose the scale of the operation or details of any damage inflicted.
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‎ Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz and areas near Karaj.
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‎The strikes marked the first direct Israeli attack on Iranian territory since a fragile ceasefire took effect in April.
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‎The military action came in response to Iranian missile attacks launched on Sunday, which Tehran said were retaliation for Israeli strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut.
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‎Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the missile launches were “the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes” against Israel.
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‎Most of the missiles fired toward Israel were reportedly intercepted by Israeli air defence systems, according to Israeli officials.
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‎The latest exchange has raised fears that the ceasefire brokered earlier this year could collapse entirely, potentially triggering a wider regional conflict involving Iran, Israel, Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups.
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‎Strikes Reported Across Iran
‎Iranian authorities confirmed explosions in several parts of the country following the Israeli operation. Tehran’s Fire Department reported at least two explosions in western areas of the capital, although local media said no urban districts had been directly targeted.
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‎In a separate development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it also struck targets at a petrochemical facility in Mahshahr, in southwestern Iran near the Persian Gulf. Iranian state media confirmed the attack and reported partial damage to the complex.
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‎Authorities said investigations into casualties and the extent of the damage were ongoing.
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‎Meanwhile, Iran suspended all incoming flights to Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport until further notice amid heightened security concerns.
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‎Trump Urges Restraint
‎The escalation occurred despite efforts by US President Donald Trump to prevent further military action.
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‎According to several media reports, Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iran’s missile attacks, expressing concern that further violence could derail ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
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‎Speaking to US and international media outlets, Trump reportedly argued that the Iranian strikes had caused limited damage and called for restraint on all sides. He also suggested that progress toward a potential US-Iran agreement remained possible despite the latest hostilities.
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‎US officials have been attempting to broker a broader regional arrangement involving Iran while simultaneously seeking to reduce violence in Lebanon and along Israel’s northern border.
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‎Wider Regional Tensions
‎The conflict has increasingly expanded beyond Israel and Iran. Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut over the weekend prompted strong warnings from Tehran, which accused Israel of violating the spirit of the April ceasefire.
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‎On Monday morning, Israel also reported detecting a missile launch from Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthi movement has repeatedly targeted Israeli territory during the conflict.
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‎The growing confrontation has prompted international concern. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for immediate de-escalation, saying that renewed conflict between Iran and Israel was “in no one’s interest” and urging all parties to return to negotiations.
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‎Economic Impact
‎Financial markets reacted quickly to the latest developments.
‎Oil prices rose sharply in Asian trading, with Brent crude climbing above $95 per barrel as traders assessed the potential impact of renewed conflict on energy supplies and shipping routes in the region.
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‎The Middle East remains a critical hub for global oil exports, and analysts warn that any further escalation could increase pressure on energy markets and global trade.
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‎As missile exchanges continue and diplomatic efforts face mounting challenges, observers warn that the region may be entering its most dangerous phase since the ceasefire was announced two months ago.