Iran launched a wave of missiles toward northern Israel early Sunday, June 7, 2026 [1].

This escalation marks a dangerous shift in hostilities between the two nations. The exchange threatens to drag the region back into a full-scale war as both countries engage in direct retaliatory strikes.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired the missiles from Iranian territory [1], [3]. In response, the Israeli Defence Forces activated air-defense systems to intercept the incoming projectiles [1], [2]. An IDF spokesperson said, "Air‑defence systems have been activated and residents are urged to move to protected spaces and follow emergency directives" [1].

Residents in northern Israel were instructed to seek shelter in protected spaces as the interceptions took place [1], [2]. Despite the scale of the attack, reports indicate zero casualties [1].

Israel responded by targeting military assets within Iran. A BBC correspondent said, "Israel has carried out retaliatory strikes on Iranian military targets after the missile attack" [3]. These strikes were described as a response to the initial wave of Iranian missiles, which themselves were retaliatory actions following earlier Israeli strikes on Iranian targets [2], [3].

International observers are monitoring the volatility of the situation. A U.S. State Department official said, "The situation remains volatile and we are closely monitoring developments" [4]. The cycle of attack and counter-attack suggests a breakdown in deterrence between the two adversaries—one that could draw in other regional actors.

“"Air‑defence systems have been activated and residents are urged to move to protected spaces"”

The direct exchange of missile fire between Iran and Israel represents a departure from the long-standing 'shadow war' characterized by proxies and covert operations. By engaging in open, state-on-state military strikes, both nations are testing the limits of their air-defense capabilities and the resolve of their respective allies, specifically the U.S., which may be forced to increase its military presence to prevent a total regional collapse.