Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Sunday as Israel’s military confirmed the interception of multiple missiles launched from Iran, triggering air raid sirens and explosions across key Israeli cities.

According to an official statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), two waves of missiles were detected early Sunday morning, prompting widespread air raid alerts, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

 “A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel,” the IDF said.

“At this time, the Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat.”

Roughly 30 minutes after the initial salvo, the IDF issued a similar statement confirming another wave of projectiles. The nationwide alert was lifted around 8:10 a.m., after most threats were reportedly neutralized by Israel’s missile defense systems.

The attack marks a significant escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, amid months of rising tensions and tit-for-tat operations across the region. No immediate reports of casualties or damage were confirmed at the time of filing this report.

The IDF stated that it would continue to monitor the situation and respond proportionally to protect Israeli citizens and territory.