Agreement broken again as Iran and Israel bomb each other

Iran attacked Israel after a 2.5-month pause. Earlier, Israel had carried out strikes on the Beirut area early on Sunday morning, despite the United States announcing a peace plan for Lebanon. On June 7, Iran responded by launching eight ballistic missiles at targets in Israel. Tel Aviv described the attack as a declaration of war. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said, “Tonight, Tehran will burn.” As missiles flew toward Israel, people in the streets of Tehran celebrated the attack. According to them, the missile strikes were carried out in response to Israel’s earlier attacks on Beirut, as well as the violation of the ceasefire agreement by the United States and Israel. The Israel Defense Forces said it had carried out retaliatory strikes after Iran’s missile attacks.

What consequences could the renewed conflict bring after a pause of nearly 2.5 months? Can the sides return to the negotiating table, or is the region entering a new stage of military escalation?

Iran bombs Israel

On June 7, Iran carried out several waves of missile attacks on northern Israel. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted the Ramat David airbase near Nazareth. According to the Israel Defense Forces, all missiles launched by Iran were intercepted by air defense systems. However, missile debris was reported to have fallen in the cities of Nahariya and Tiberias. Videos also circulated online showing several Iranian missiles landing in Israeli territory and the Iron Dome failing to intercept them.

Iranian officials said Israel had “crossed all red lines” by striking targets in southern Beirut. Earlier, Israel said it had attacked Hezbollah facilities in the southern part of the Lebanese capital. Following the missile attacks, the leadership of the Israeli army’s General Staff said a firm response would be delivered against the enemy. Army officials said Iran had made a “serious mistake.” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, meanwhile, said Israel would face even stronger strikes. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters called on Israel to stop its attacks in southern Lebanon and the Dahiyeh area of Beirut. The statement said that if Israel expands its military operations in these areas or responds to Iran’s actions, it will face “stronger and more devastating strikes,” and attacks will be carried out against Israel and its allies.

The command also accused Israel of intensifying attacks against the people of Lebanon and violating the ceasefire amid the silence of international organizations and support from the United States. Iranian drones launched against Israel overnight reportedly carried the message “We will not abandon Lebanon.”

“This operation is not a one-time action, but the beginning of continuous attacks that will last for a week. Over the next seven days, waves of missiles and drones will continue day and night until the enemy is stopped and the set objectives are achieved,” the corps said in a statement.

Iranian state television broadcast footage of celebrations in the streets of Tehran as missiles flew toward Israel. Iranian officials said the missile strikes were carried out in response to Israel’s earlier attack on Beirut and other violations of the ceasefire agreement by the United States and Israel. Videos also showed people in some parts of Lebanon taking to the streets and raising Iranian flags amid Iran’s missile strikes against Israel.

International media reported that residents in several areas of Israel had been urged not to leave shelters until official instructions were issued. Uzbek citizens in Israel were also warned. Amid the escalation, Uzbekistan’s embassy in Israel urged citizens to exercise caution for safety reasons. Citizens were advised to stay close to protected areas, immediately enter shelters when an air raid alert or siren is heard, and not leave them until official permission is given.

Against the backdrop of the attacks, Israel temporarily suspended operations at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Qatar also closed its airspace, and later it was reported that Iran had also closed its airspace. Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gvir said, “Tonight, Tehran will burn.”

Israel launches retaliatory strikes against Iran

Israel also launched retaliatory strikes against Iran. The Israel Defense Forces struck military facilities in western and central Iran. Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport was also hit. Explosions were heard in Tehran, Karaj, Tabriz, Urmia, Kermanshah, Najafabad and Shiraz.

Reports also circulated that Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, had been attacked. The Israeli army said its air force was striking military targets inside Iran. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising from a petrochemical facility in the southwestern Iranian city of Mahshahr following an Israeli airstrike.

Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would hold a security cabinet meeting at 11:00 a.m. local time amid the escalating confrontation with Iran. The main topic on the agenda is expected to be the growing tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as broader security issues.

Trump warns Israel

Trump is dissatisfied with Israel’s attacks on Beirut. In an interview with Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump said he intended to ask Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop retaliatory attacks. In his view, this is important for preserving a possible U.S.-Iran agreement.

According to international media, Trump told Netanyahu that Israel had no choice but to accept any agreement the United States reaches with Iran.

“Netanyahu has no choice. I make the decisions. I make all the decisions. Netanyahu does not make the decisions,” Trump said.

The White House leader said Iran’s latest attacks had not affected a possible agreement. According to Fox News, Trump also addressed Iran, saying, “Enough. Return to the negotiating table.” He also expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s strikes on Beirut.

Since the start of U.S.-Iran talks aimed at ending the war, Israel has continued its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli officials insist that this issue should be considered separately from any ceasefire agreement with Iran. Tehran, however, has repeatedly stated that any peace agreement depends on compliance with a ceasefire in Lebanon as well.

Iran closes airspace, Israel shuts schools

As tensions rose sharply in the Middle East, Iran completely closed its airspace, while Israel canceled classes at schools nationwide due to the deteriorating security situation. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced that the country’s airspace had been fully closed to all civilian flights. The decision was made amid possible military threats and a state of high alert. There is currently no information about casualties.

Israeli officials said the situation could escalate further in the coming hours. For this reason, all educational institutions across the country, including kindergartens, schools and summer education programs, were completely suspended. This is a rare large-scale measure and indicates a high security risk. After Iran, Iraq also temporarily closed its airspace and suspended air traffic, with civil aviation officials citing security reasons. Iraq’s aviation authority said the ban would remain in effect for 72 hours. Syria also closed its southern airspace for 12 hours and suspended operations at Damascus airport.