Iran fires missiles at Israel as April ceasefire frays

Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel on Sunday, the first such bombardment since April's US-brokered ceasefire, CNBC reported, after accusing Israel of striking targets in southern Beirut over the weekend. Israeli air-defence batteries intercepted several incoming projectiles while sirens sounded across the centre and north of the country. The prime minister's office said the cabinet would convene in emergency session.

The exchange has revived market concern over the durability of the April truce, which had held through repeated Hezbollah-Israel clashes. Brent crude climbed roughly two per cent in early Asia trading, US stock-index futures slipped, and gold extended its weekly gain. State Department officials said back channels were being kept open, while EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas called the strikes a serious escalation.

Traders said positioning into the new week tilted toward defensive sectors, with energy and gold-mining names bid. Investors will watch overnight statements from Tehran, a response from Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati's office, and Monday's open of the Tel Aviv exchange. None of the above is investment advice.