Israel's retaliatory strikes jolts three cities in Iran

Israel carried out a series of retaliatory airstrikes on Iran late Sunday night (June 7), hours after Tehran launched a surprise missile attack.

According to reports by Al Jazeera and Israeli media, explosions were heard in Iran’s capital Tehran as well as in the cities of Tabriz and Isfahan following the Israeli strikes that began around midnight.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation was launched in response to Iranian missile attacks targeting northern Israel earlier in the day. The IDF added that further details of the strikes would be released later.

Iranian state media confirmed that multiple explosions shook key urban areas, causing panic among residents. Air defense systems were reportedly activated as Iran attempted to intercept incoming Israeli aircraft.

The escalation follows a fresh exchange of hostilities in the region, with Iran earlier firing missiles toward northern Israel, citing alleged Israeli violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Israel has been conducting a series of strikes in Lebanon targeting positions linked to Hezbollah, according to regional reports.

The strikes come amid heightened diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

Reports suggest that former US President Donald Trump had urged Israeli leadership to delay any immediate retaliation following Iran’s missile attack. However, Israel proceeded with the operation despite ongoing international calls for restraint.

The Times of Israel reported that Israeli fighter jets targeted military installations inside Iran during the overnight operation.