Middle East crisis live: Israel and Iran exchange fresh round of strikes as attacks intensify

Israel announced it struck military targets in central and western Iran on June 8, 2026, in retaliation for recent attacks by Tehran, despite calls for de-escalation from former U.S. President Donald Trump. This exchange marks a significant intensification of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, with both nations engaging in a fresh round of strikes. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, indicating they were aimed at military objectives within Iran. This action follows Iran's earlier reported attacks, further escalating regional tensions.

Adding another layer to the conflict, Yemen announced its entry into the war for the first time since the April 8 ceasefire. The Houthi leadership in Yemen declared they fired missiles towards Jaffa, Israel, and stated that Israeli-linked commercial shipping would be blocked from entering the Red Sea. This decision by the Houthis is expected to cause significant concern for international shipping, particularly given the strategic importance of the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait. Iranian officials had previously suggested that the Houthi leadership was considering reviving a blockade of this vital waterway for Israeli-linked shipping.

The renewed strikes and the expansion of conflict participants underscore the precarious state of regional security. The involvement of Yemen, through the Houthi movement, broadens the scope of the confrontation and introduces new threats to maritime trade routes. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and wider regional implications. International actors, including former President Trump, have urged for restraint, but the tit-for-tat military actions suggest a difficult path towards de-escalation.