By Gloria Ogbonna
Tensions across the Middle East surged dramatically on Sunday after Iran launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles toward Israel, marking its first direct attack since a ceasefire established on April 8 and raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The missile assault came at a particularly sensitive moment, as diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran appeared to be nearing a potential breakthrough, according to President Donald Trump.
Israeli authorities reported that approximately ten ballistic missiles were launched in several waves targeting northern Israel, the Sharon region, and parts of Samaria. Air raid sirens sounded across large sections of the country, sending residents rushing to bomb shelters and protected areas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that most of the missiles were successfully intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems, while others landed in open areas without causing significant damage.
Although no direct missile impacts were reported in populated areas, the attack disrupted daily life across the country. Schools were ordered closed nationwide for Monday as a precautionary measure, and at least two people reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to reach shelters during the emergency alerts.
The missile barrage followed a series of escalating events earlier in the day. Israel had conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut’s southern Dahiyeh district after rockets were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel. Israeli officials described the operation as a response to violations of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon only days earlier.
According to Israeli military officials, the targets included Hezbollah command centers and operational facilities allegedly used to coordinate attacks against Israel. Lebanese authorities reported that the strikes resulted in at least two fatalities and several injuries.
Iranian leaders had strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Lebanon throughout the day and issued repeated warnings that any military operation in Beirut would trigger retaliation. Senior Iranian officials escalated their rhetoric as tensions mounted, with several openly threatening military consequences.
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, warned of a “painful response” and urged Israelis to “watch the skies” later in the evening. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused both Israel and the United States of violating regional agreements and declared that American and Israeli assets throughout the Middle East had become legitimate targets.
Following the missile launch, Iranian military officials claimed that Israel had crossed what they described as “all red lines” through its military actions in Lebanon. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) characterized the attack as a warning and threatened even broader military action if Israeli operations in Lebanon continued.
Despite the rising tensions, President Donald Trump moved quickly to prevent the situation from spiraling into a larger conflict that could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking shortly after the attack, Trump revealed that he intended to contact Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly and urge restraint.
“I am going to call Netanyahu right now and tell him not to strike back,” Trump reportedly said, emphasizing that additional military escalation could jeopardize negotiations that he believes are close to producing a significant agreement between the United States and Iran.
The president expressed optimism that months of diplomatic efforts were nearing a successful conclusion.
“We are very close to a final deal with Iran. It is going to be a good deal. I don’t want it to blow up because of what is happening now,” Trump stated.
Trump also directed a message toward Tehran, urging Iranian leaders not to allow the missile exchange to undermine the progress achieved at the negotiating table.
“What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal,” he said.
Later, Trump reiterated his confidence in the diplomatic process during interviews with several media outlets. He suggested that despite the latest military confrontation, negotiations remained on track and could soon produce a broader agreement addressing regional security concerns and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Trump downplayed the possibility that the missile barrage would derail diplomacy and argued that any eventual agreement reached by Washington would likely be accepted by Israel.
“He won’t have any choice,” Trump said when discussing Netanyahu’s position. “I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn’t call the shots.”
The president further stressed that the missile attack would not alter his commitment to pursuing a diplomatic solution.
“I think the deal is going on,” Trump said. “We’ll see what happens. The deal may make it on its own merit, or not, but this will not have any effect on it.”
At the same time, Trump emphasized that the United States retains significant leverage should negotiations ultimately fail. Administration officials have repeatedly pointed to economic and maritime pressure measures, including a naval blockade, as tools available to increase pressure on Tehran if diplomatic efforts collapse.
Meanwhile, Israeli leaders were weighing potential responses to Iran’s missile attack. Senior military officials described the launch as a serious escalation and warned that Israel reserves the right to respond.
IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin condemned Iran’s actions, saying the Iranian regime had made a “grave mistake” and insisting that Israel would not allow Tehran to dictate new rules of engagement regarding Lebanon.
Military leaders immediately began assessing response options. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir held consultations with senior commanders and approved operational plans for possible future action.
“The IDF will strike the enemy with determination as soon as the order is given,” Zamir declared.
Despite the strong rhetoric, Israeli officials indicated that retaliation may not be immediate. Reports from Israeli media suggested that one option under consideration involves delaying any military response for several days while diplomatic discussions continue.
A senior Israeli security official suggested that Iran should not underestimate Israel’s military capabilities.
“In Iran, they have forgotten that their skies belonged to the Israeli Air Force for two months,” the official said.
As deliberations continued late into Sunday night, Trump and Netanyahu reportedly held a phone conversation to discuss the rapidly evolving situation. According to reports, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons while also encouraging restraint to preserve the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
White House officials indicated that the president believes diplomacy remains the best path toward achieving long-term regional stability and preventing further conflict.
In an interview aired on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump expressed confidence that only a few issues remain unresolved in the ongoing talks.
“We’re very close,” he said. “We have a couple of points; they don’t even seem like big points.”
Trump further claimed that Iran had already accepted one of Washington’s most important demands by acknowledging that it would not pursue nuclear weapons.
The events of Sunday have now placed the region at a critical crossroads. Leaders in Jerusalem, Tehran, and Washington must decide whether to pursue escalation or continue diplomatic efforts that could reshape regional relations.
Whether the missile barrage becomes a temporary interruption in negotiations or the beginning of a broader Middle East conflict will likely depend on the decisions made in the coming days. With military forces on high alert, diplomatic channels still active, and international attention focused on the region, the world is watching closely as one of the most dangerous confrontations of the year unfolds.
Source Breitbart
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