Iran fired multiple waves of ballistic missiles toward Israel on Sunday, prompting widespread air-raid sirens across northern and central regions. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they successfully intercepted all launched missiles using their defensive systems. The alerts began mid-afternoon Eastern Daylight Time, with at least three distinct missile waves detected during the assault.
In addition to Israel, Iranian missiles were also reported heading toward Kuwait and Bahrain, expanding concerns over escalating regional hostilities. The Israel War Room and social media accounts closely tracked the incoming missile trajectories, urging civilians to comply with Home Front Command instructions and seek shelter to minimize casualties.
The strike follows a recent Israeli attack on a Hezbollah command center in Lebanon, conducted as retaliation for rocket and drone assaults launched against northern Israeli communities. Iran, as Hezbollah’s primary backer, warned it would retaliate against Israeli strikes targeting the Lebanese militant group. The current wave of missile launches represents a sharp escalation in this ongoing proxy conflict near Israel’s borders.
Earlier in the year, the IDF reported that this campaign began after Hezbollah initiated attacks coinciding with the launch of the U.S. military’s Operation Epic Fury. Since then, tensions have steadily increased, marked by repeated exchanges of fire and threats between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the missile attacks, emphasizing that they hinder ongoing diplomatic negotiations. He urged Iran to halt missile launches and return to the negotiation table, citing hopes that an agreement was imminent before the recent escalation. These remarks came days after a ceasefire deal announcement between the U.S. and Iran.
The United States Central Command and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have not issued immediate public responses regarding the missile strikes or the heightened alert status. Regional watchers and policymakers now await Israel’s strategic response to this series of attacks as the situation unfolds.