Israel said Sunday it launched airstrikes on Iran after waves of Iranian missiles targeted its northern regions, escalating renewed violence in the Middle East.
The counterattack came despite warnings from President Donald Trump of the United States, who said a deal to end the war with Tehran was near. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced pressure from allies and opposition figures to respond.
Israel had promised to retaliate after Iran’s missile assault. An Israeli official told Reuters that Israel would respond to any attacks on its territory and could treat them as “an opportunity to renew the campaign.”
Iran has said any peace deal with Washington depends on a ceasefire holding in Lebanon. Israel invaded Lebanon in March while pursuing Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.
Iran’s chief peace negotiator, parliamentary speaker Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf, said US bases and Israeli assets were legitimate targets because of hostile acts, including what he called violations of Lebanon agreements.
Read: Iran Missiles Israel After Strikes Near Beirut
Washington and Tehran have shown little progress toward ending the war. Trump launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Iran in February.
