Israel and Iran exchange long-range missile strikes before appearing to step back from further attacks, raising renewed concerns about escalation. Multiple outlets report that the fighting begins with Israel conducting strikes on central and western Iran, after which Iranian forces respond with two waves of Iranian missiles targeting Israel. Israel says air defenses intercept incoming fire and urges the public to seek shelter during the attacks.
Several sources note that this round is the first exchange of missile strikes since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Tehran took effect about two months earlier. While the renewed strikes threaten to drag the Middle East back toward full-scale conflict, outlets also say both sides issue warnings that they will retaliate if attacked again.
Toward the end of the exchange, Iran and Israel state that hostilities have halted. PBS NewsHour and other reports describe efforts by the U.S. and regional mediators to salvage a broader arrangement to end the war with Iran, after officials have been unable to turn the earlier ceasefire into a permanent settlement.
