Iran Threatens Ballistic Missile Strikes on Israel Amid U.S. Deal

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has pushed the Iranian leadership to launch ballistic missile strikes against Israel to halt Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Beirut. This escalation marks the first direct exchange of fire between the two nations since the April 8 ceasefire. Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, successfully persuaded the Supreme National Security Council to support the strikes, overriding moderate calls from President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for a rapid diplomatic agreement with the United States to prevent economic collapse.

In response, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced that the Israel Defense Forces are preparing for an imminent attack. The threat follows IDF airstrikes in Beirut conducted after Hezbollah drones targeted northern Israeli towns. Israel's Home Front Command has since issued nationwide restrictions limiting public gatherings to 5,000 people, resulting in the cancellation of major concerts.

Concurrent with the military escalation, President Donald Trump and Iranian officials are reportedly close to an initial agreement to be signed in Geneva. The proposed deal includes lifting the U.S. blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and providing access to frozen assets, while postponing nuclear and missile negotiations. However, Vahidi has conditioned any agreement on the cessation of Israel's confrontation with Hezbollah.