Middle East on Edge: Iran fires missiles at Israel for first time since ceasefire, Tel Aviv responds

The latest exchange has heightened fears of fresh fighting and further escalation in the Middle East, even as efforts are underway to secure a deal aimed at ending the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict that began on February 28.

According to The Times of Israel, around 10 missiles were fired toward northern Israel in quick succession at approximately 10 p.m. local time. No injuries were reported.

Iran said the missile barrage was carried out in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern Dahiyeh suburb, which reportedly targeted the headquarters of the Hezbollah militant group.

In an earlier post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said: "The IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat."

The military added that air raid sirens were activated in several parts of the country following the detection of the incoming missiles.

Israel launches retaliatory strikes

Israel later confirmed that its air force had carried out strikes against military targets in western and central Iran.

"The Israeli Air Force struck military targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran a short while ago," the IDF said in a statement posted on X.

According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, powerful explosions were heard across several areas of Tehran, as well as in the cities of Tabriz, Isfahan and Karaj.

Multiple media reports said Iran subsequently closed the airspace around Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, the country's primary international gateway, following the Israeli strikes.

US Embassy orders shelter-in-place

Amid the heightened tensions, the US Embassy in Jerusalem instructed American government personnel and their family members to shelter in place.

In a statement posted on X, the embassy said: "As a result of the current security situation in Israel, including Home Front Command alerts for multiple regions, the U.S. Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place, and be prepared to move to a protected shelter in the event of a red alert, until further notice."

The embassy also announced that its consular sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv would remain closed on Monday, June 8.

The latest exchange of fire underscores the fragile security situation in the region and threatens to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a broader conflict.