Iran-US war latest: Tehran blames ‘arsonist’ America for new Israeli missile strikes and threatens global economy

Iran has blamed the US for the resumption of conflict with Israel, labelling Washington as an “arsonist” as it warned its retaliation will wreak havoc on the global economy.

Israel launched airstrikes on central and western Iran early in the early hours of Monday, defying an order by US president Donald Trump not to respond to an Iranian missile attacks.

Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz and Karaj, marking the first attacks since the April ceasefire took effect.

Tehran had fired the missiles in response to an Israeli attack on Beirut, a breach of the Lebanon ceasefire for which Iran said the US bears direct responsibility.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Israel does not take independent action without consulting Washington.

But White House officials have denied this, telling Axios that the US didn't give a "green light" to Israel to strike Beirut, with another saying Washington "had no part in this".

Baghaei said the attacks worsen a "chaotic diplomatic process”, although Trump said the conflict is “not going to have any impact on the [peace] deal” being negotiated by Washington and Tehran.

Key Points

US is responsible for resumed Iran-Israel conflict, says Tehran
Israel says fresh wave of attacks launched from Iran
Explosions in Tehran, Isfahan as Israel launches attacks
Israel strikes Beirut's southern suburbs days after ceasefire agreement
Netanyahu to hold a security cabinet meeting
Oil prices jump 5% to $98 dollars a barrel

Pope Leo says escalating conflicts pushing world to 'spiritual and cultural crisis'

10:42 , Alex Croft

Pope Leo said on Monday that escalating conflicts and polarisation were pushing the world into a "profound spiritual and cultural crisis".

In an address to Spain's parliament during a week-long tour of the country, Leo, the first US pope, said.

He also firmly reiterated his opposition to increased European military spending - calling it "troubling" - and urged help for the world's migrants.

Francina Armengol, President of the Congress of Deputies of Spain and Pedro Rollan, President of the Senate, applaud as Pope Leo XIV looks up, during his visit at the Spanish Parliament (Reuters)

Iran has fired 30 ballistic missiles at Israel, military official says

10:22 , Alex Croft

The Israeli military is currently giving an update to the press on the recent resumption of conflict with Iran.

A military official tells reporters that dozens of Israeli aircraft struck Iran’s air defence systems.

The systems that were attacked were being rebuilt after the previous conflict, they said.

Iran, the spokesperson said, has fired around 30 ballistic missiles at Israel.

UK foreign secretary says resumed conflict is 'in no one's interest'

10:15 , Alex Croft

UK foreign minister Yvette Cooper has said the resumption of conflict between Israel and Iran is “in no one’s interest”.

In a post on X, she called on both sids to “show restraint and de-escalate immediately”.

Ms Cooper added: “Negotiations must continue towards the lasting settlement that we all need, for peace and stability in the region, and for the full restoration of global trade.”

The resumption of conflict between Iran and Israel is in no one’s interest. Both sides must show restraint and de-escalate immediately.

Negotiations must continue towards the lasting settlement that we all need, for peace and stability in the region, and for the full restoration…
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) June 7, 2026

In pictures: Moment Israeli air defences intercept Iranian missile

09:59 , Alex Croft

Israeli anti-air defence system interceptors were spotted after missiles were launched towards Israel from Iran (Reuters)

The moment was captured from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank (Reuters)

Israel and Iran have resumed conflict for the first time since mid-April (Reuters)

US is responsible for resumed Iran-Israel conflict, says Tehran

09:44 , Alex Croft

Iran is blaming the US for the resumption of conflict with Israel, stating that it bears direct responsibility for recent ceasefire breaches by Israel in Lebanon.

The overnight exchange of fire between Iran and Israel will only worsen a "chaotic diplomatic process" with the United States, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said on Monday.

The conflict will further exacerbate Tehran's suspicion toward Washington.

Baghaei added that Israel does not take independent action without consulting Washington.

Iran says it has retaliated to Israeli attack on petrochemical site

09:28 , Alex Croft

We’re now hearing from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which said on Monday that they responded to what they called an American-Israeli strike on an Iranian petrochemical site,.

Iranian forces responded by launching a missile attack on a similar plant in the Israeli city of Haifa.

The Guards warned that further attacks on non-military and energy targets in the region would have consequences for the global economy - for which the United States would be responsible.

Earlier, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that the Karun petrochemical plant near Iran's southwestern city of Bandar-e-Mahshahr was struck and parts of it damaged by an Israeli projectile.

In the first hit on an energy site inside Iran since the 8 April ceasefire, Israel afterwards said it struck targets at the Mahshahr petrochemical complex.

A machine operates near a residential building, which was damaged in a U.S. and Israeli strike in March, in Tehran, Iran June 7 (Reuters)

Oil prices jump 5% to $98 dollars a barrel

09:11 , Alex Croft

Oil prices are once again nearing $100 dollars a barrel amid a resumption in conflict between Iran and Israel.

The price of Brent crude jumped rose to $97.70, an increase of nearly five per cent.

The price of WTI crude, the benchmark for North America, also rose by five per cent to $95 dollars a barrel.

It comes amid fresh airstrikes between Israel and Iran, the first such attacks since a ceasefire was agreed in mid-April.

Israeli military says it struck Iran's air defence systems

08:59 , Alex Croft

We’re just getting updates from the Israeli military about the latest attacks, as conflict with Iran escalates for the first time since April.

Israel on Monday carried out a large-scale strike on Iranian strategic defence systems to dismantle air defence capabilities that Tehran had been deploying, the Israeli military said.

The attacks will “further enhance the Israeli Air Force’s freedom of action in Iranian airspace”, it said.

Israel says its air force has boosted it's control over Iranian skies (AFP/Getty)

Iran closes Mehrabad Airport after Israeli strikes

08:38 , Alex Croft

All flights to and from Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport have been suspended until further notice, Iran’s IRNA news agency has said.

It comes after explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz and Karaj, following Israeli strikes.

Stay with us for the latest.

Yemen's Houthis vow to ban Israeli Red Sea navigation

08:12 , Alex Croft

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Monday that they would ban Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea.

They also said in a statement that they had attacked Israel.

The Israeli military had earlier said it had identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, and that air defence systems were operating to intercept the threat.

No immediate details were available on the missile's trajectory or the outcome of interception efforts.

Israeli settlers stand next to part of a missile protruding from ground

08:02 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Israeli settlers stand next to part of a missile protruding from the ground, following strikes from Iran, in the central Israeli-occupied West Bank, 8 June 2026 (Reuters)

Israel says fresh wave of attacks launched from Iran

07:43 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The Israeli military said it had detected a fresh wave of missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory.

It said air defence systems were working to intercept the incoming projectiles and urged residents to follow official safety instructions.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” Israeli military said in a statement.

“In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.

“The public is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions—they save lives. Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.”

Everything we know so far

07:29 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Israel launched airstrikes on central and western Iran after Tehran fired missiles at Israel.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj and Tabriz, and Iran closed the airspace around Tehran's main airport.
Israel later said it was intercepting a new wave of Iranian missiles, with explosions heard over Jerusalem.
The escalation follows Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, which Lebanon says killed two people and wounded 20.
A missile was also launched from Yemen towards Israel, but no casualties were reported.
Oil prices jumped more than 3 per cent amid fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iran warned that US bases in the region are now "legitimate targets".
Iran also said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen under new conditions, including transit fees.
Trump reportedly urged Netanyahu not to retaliate immediately and insisted any US-Iran deal would be on Washington's terms.

Netanyahu to hold a security cabinet meeting

06:46 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold a security cabinet meeting at 11am local time as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

According to Israeli media reports, the meeting will be limited to a small group of senior ministers and security officials, suggesting discussions on potential military, security, or diplomatic responses to the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict.

Israeli army confirms striking petrochemical plant in Mahshahr

06:26 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Israeli forces struck the Karun Petrochemical Company in Mahshahr, a city in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province, according to Iranian media.

The Israeli military also confirmed in a statement that it had “attacked several targets at the petrochemical complex in Mahshahr” located in the southwest of Iran.

Iranian officials said part of the facility was damaged, though the extent of the damage and any casualties were not immediately known.

The Israeli military later confirmed it had targeted several sites within the petrochemical complex and said further details would be released later.

Iranian envoy claims Strait of Hormuz to reopen with transit fee

06:07 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Iran's ambassador to Russia has said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, but under new conditions jointly set by Iran and Oman, including transit charges for ships using the strategic waterway.

Kazem Jalali told the Russian newspaper Izvestia: “Of course, this strait will be open, but with new conditions to be determined by the Iranian and Omani authorities.”

He said: “We understand that Iran and Oman provide certain services related to this strait. And fees will be charged for those services.”

The comments come after the US-Israeli war on Iran severely disrupted oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the strait. While some tankers have recently left the Gulf, energy flows remain heavily constrained.

Iran has previously argued that any permanent peace agreement should allow it to collect fees from vessels passing through the strait. The proposal has been strongly opposed by the United States, with Washington warning Oman against participating in any effort to impose such charges.

Israeli emergency says no reports of injuries following missile launch from Yemen

05:41 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Israeli emergency services said there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage following the missile launch from Yemen.

As tensions continue to rise, the Israeli military has tightened civilian safety measures, banning large gatherings and suspending classes nationwide.

According to the Associated Press, this is the first time schools across Israel have been closed since the previous confrontation with Iran in April.

Schools in communities near Israel's northern border had already been shut for an extended period because of the threat of attacks from Hezbollah.

Israeli ambassador to US defends strikes on Iran

05:09 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, has defended his country's latest strikes on Iran, saying “no self-respecting country” would accept missile attacks on its territory.

Writing on X, Leiter said the Israeli operation was aimed at Iran's surface-to-surface missile launch sites and other non-energy infrastructure.

“The people of Lebanon have rejected Iran’s proxy, Hizballah, and have told Iran to get out of their country,” Leiter said.

Iran fired 11 ballistic missiles at Israel today. Each one of those missiles can level an entire neighborhood and kill hundreds. No self-respecting country in the world would tolerate such an attack, and neither will Israel.

Israel is now targeting Iranian surface-to-surface…
— Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) Leiter (@yechielleiter) June 8, 2026

“If Hizballah fires at Israel, its command centers in the Dahiya will be hit hard,” he said, referring to a southern district of Beirut that is widely recognised as a Hezbollah stronghold.

“This has nothing to do with Iran. Everyone has had enough of this maniacal Iranian regime.”

Explosions in Tehran, Isfahan as Israel launches attacks

04:16 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Israel carried out airstrikes on targets in central and western Iran early on Monday in response to Iranian missile launches against Israel.

Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz and Karaj.

Iran temporarily closed the airspace around Tehran's main international airport following the attacks.

The strikes came despite reports that US president Donald Trump had urged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate immediately, as Washington continues to pursue diplomatic efforts with Tehran.

The latest exchange has raised fears of a broader regional conflict.

Saudi Arabia issues warning over potential danger in Al-Kharj governorate

04:08 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Saudi Arabia's civil defence earlier issued an alert in Al-Kharj governorate, warning residents of a potential danger in the area. But later, it said that the “danger has passed” in Al-Kharj governorate.

Authorities had urged people to remain indoors and avoid leaving their shelters until the threat had passed.

Watch: Trump claims Iran hasn't made a deal because ‘they’re strong’ and ‘proud’

03:00 , James Reynolds

In focus: Why the loss of Oscar-nominated Persepolis creator Marjane Satrapi is a tragedy for Iran

02:00 , James Reynolds

The French-Iranian filmmaker shed light on the untold lives of Iranian women following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

As the US-Iran conflict shows no end in sight, Maira Butt reports on why Satrapi’s powerful voice will be missed:

Image from: Iran-US war latest: Tehran blames ‘arsonist’ America for new Israeli missile strikes and threatens global economy

Why the loss of Persepolis creator Marjane Satrapi is a tragedy for Iran

Lammy admits ‘arrangements can be made’ amid calls for prisoner swap to free British couple locked up in Iran

01:00 , James Reynolds

David Lammy has admitted that “arrangements can be made” in response to calls for a prisoner swap to free a British couple imprisoned in Iran.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges – which they deny – following their arrest during a trip to the country 17 months ago. They say the British government is failing to act on clear signals from Iranian officials that Richard Jan, who was once described as Britain’s worst stalker, is the key to their release.

A joint investigation by The Independent and Sky News has uncovered a 15-year campaign by high-ranking Iranian officials for Jan to receive urgent healthcare in prison and be returned to Iran.

Lammy admits ‘arrangements can be made’ to free British couple locked up in Iran

Israel strikes Beirut's southern suburbs days after ceasefire agreement

Monday 8 June 2026 00:00 , James Reynolds

Israel struck the southern Beirut suburbs on Sunday just days after a ceasefire agreement in Washington went into effect.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the strikes were in retaliation for Hezbollah firing toward northern Israel earlier, and that the attacks targeted “command centers” in the sprawling urban neighborhoods.

Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for firing at Israel.

The strikes come after the Lebanese and Israeli governments in Washington renewed a ceasefire agreement in ongoing talks that Beirut hopes will bring an end to the war across the country. There was no immediate word of casualties.

Israel strikes Beirut's southern suburbs days after ceasefire agreement

As it happened: Israel vows to respond to Iranian missile attack

Sunday 7 June 2026 23:42 , James Reynolds

Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel for the first time since April late on Sunday in a move that threatens to derail sensitive talks to end the war and cast the region back into chaos.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said they targeted Israel’s Ramat David Air Base in response to an earlier Israeli attack on the outskirts of Beirut in Lebanon.

They added that any Israeli response would prompt “more crushing and regretful blows”, as the head of the IDF indicated the military was ready to respond as soon as the order was given.

Donald Trump urged Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond and risk another major escalation. He said the strikes resulted in no casualties.

A streak of light illuminates the sky during a missile attack from Iran towards Israel, as seen from Jerusalem (Reuters)

In comments to Axios, the president cautioned: “Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate. If Bibi strikes them back it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3000 years.”

“Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don't need another one,” he added.

Speaking to the Financial Times, he added, “I call the shots. He [Netanyahu] doesn’t call the shots”. He said that the Israeli prime minister will have “no choice” but to accept a deal with Iran.

Asked what would happen if a deal failed “on its merits”, Trump said he would consider a commando raid on Iran.

Separately, he told Fox News he was “not happy” with Israel’s strikes on Beirut, signalling a widening rift with Israel as he tries to wind down the unpopular war in the Middle East.

As it happens: Israel vows to respond to Iranian missile attack