Iranian attack on Israel since April, Military warns of retaliation (Photos)

Tensions between Israel and Iran have sharply escalated after Tehran launched a wave of missiles at northern Israel in what marks the first direct Iranian attack since a fragile ceasefire was agreed in April.

Israel’s military has warned that it is prepared to retaliate “as soon as the order is given,” while confirming that its air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming missiles.

No casualties have been reported, and authorities later allowed civilians to leave shelters after the immediate threat subsided.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the strikes, describing them as the “beginning of a full week of continuous attacks” and stating that multiple waves of ballistic missiles targeted northern Israel, including the Ramat David Airbase near Haifa.

Iran warned that further strikes could follow if Israel continues its military operations in the region.

Iran’s foreign ministry said the missile launches were a response to what it called repeated violations of the April ceasefire and recent Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut.

It warned that any further Israeli action against Iran or Lebanon would trigger a “crushing and comprehensive response.”

The escalation follows Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut, which Israel said were carried out after rockets were fired from southern Lebanon.

The strikes have intensified concerns that the conflict in Lebanon is widening into a broader regional confrontation involving Iran.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israel not to retaliate, warning that further escalation could jeopardize ongoing negotiations with Iran.

Speaking to US media outlets including Axios and the Financial Times, Trump said he planned to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, stressing that “we don’t need another strike” and insisting both sides had already “had their fun.”

He also claimed that a potential agreement with Iran was close and should not be disrupted.

Oil markets reacted immediately to the escalation, with Brent crude rising 2.6% to $95.50 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate climbing 2.5% to $92.75, as traders assessed risks to global energy supply chains.

Inside Israel, the military confirmed it was on high alert. IDF spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin said Iran had made a “grave mistake” and warned that Israel would not tolerate continued attacks.

He added that forces were deployed nationwide and preparing for possible further missile fire.

Iran, meanwhile, defended its actions, with the IRGC stating the strikes served as a “warning” and promising a broader response if Israel escalates further.

Senior Iranian officials vowed “painful and decisive retaliation,” while Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded by saying “Tehran must burn.”

The exchange has raised fears of a wider regional war, with analysts warning that the already fragile ceasefire between Israel, Iran, and the United States may be collapsing.

The conflict has also drawn in Lebanon, where Israeli operations against Hezbollah have intensified and US diplomatic influence appears increasingly limited.

As both sides trade threats and prepare for possible further strikes, international leaders including the UK Foreign Secretary have called for immediate restraint and a return to negotiations.

However, with military rhetoric escalating and missile exchanges already underway, the risk of broader confrontation in the Middle East continues to grow.

Photos