Israel launched strikes across Iran on Monday after coming under missile attack, marking the most serious escalation between the two adversaries since an April cease-fire and fueling concerns that months of fragile calm could unravel into a broader regional conflict.
Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz, according to Iranian state television. The broadcasts provided few immediate details, but the strikes came hours after Iran fired missiles toward Israel in its first direct bombardment since the cease-fire took effect in early April.
The exchange signaled a dramatic deterioration in tensions that had simmered for weeks despite diplomatic efforts led by the United States and regional mediators.
Iran had threatened retaliation after Israeli warplanes struck Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday, an operation carried out despite recent U.S. calls for restraint. Israel said the Beirut strike followed rocket fire into northern Israel by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Smoke from an explosion in the sky after Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepted an Iranian missile, as seen from Jerusalem, June 8, 2026. (Reuters Photo)
