Missile Exchanges Add Pressure to Middle East Ceasefire Talks
Israel says Iran launched missiles at its territory on Sunday, marking the first such attack since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April. Iran’s state broadcaster confirmed the launches, which followed an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs earlier in the day.
Israel said its airstrike was a response to Hezbollah fire into northern Israel. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the strike hit a residential building, killing two people and injuring 20. Iran had warned that an attack on Beirut could trigger a broader regional response.
The Israeli military said it intercepted the Iranian missiles and later told residents they could leave shelters while remaining nearby. Sirens sounded in several parts of Israel, and explosions were reported in the north. An Israeli military spokesperson described Iran’s action as a serious mistake.
The escalation comes as mediators attempt to revive negotiations aimed at ending the wider conflict, which began after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February. Pakistan, Egypt and Qatar are among the countries involved in diplomatic efforts. Iran has said any broader agreement must address the fighting in Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he wanted Iran to stop firing missiles and return to negotiations. He also said Israel’s strike on Beirut was not co-ordinated with Washington and that he was dissatisfied with the action.
Hezbollah, which claimed responsibility for earlier fire into Israel, opposes direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. The group supports Iran’s position that Lebanon should be included in any wider ceasefire arrangement.
The conflict has also affected regional trade and aviation. Iran has continued to assert control near the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States maintains a blockade of Iranian ports. Iraq and Syria announced temporary airspace closures following the missile launches. The latest developments have added uncertainty to ongoing mediation efforts and raised concerns about further escalation.