Iranian forces stationed in Syria fired about 20 rockets at Israeli military positions in the Golan Heights, according to Israel’s army, which appeared to retaliate with multiple strikes across Syria.

An Israel Defence Forces spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus told reporters that several but not all of the Iranian rockets were intercepted by Israeli defences.

The Guardian reports that officials are not aware of any casualties. A preliminary assessment found there was minimal damage.

The attack, if confirmed, would mark the first time Iran has fired rockets in a direct strike on Israeli forces. The occupied Golan Heights has been on high alert since Donald Trump confirmed he was pulling the US out of the Iran nuclear deal.

Earlier today, the Israeli Defence Force’s Arabic‑language Twitter account said its military was “moving” against Iranian targets in Syria and warned Damascus not to intervene.

Syrian state media said anti‑air defences were responding to a “new wave of Israeli missiles and is dropping them one by one”.

Explosions were heard in the Syrian capital as jets flew overhead.

Iran did not immediately comment.

Israel has warned it will not permit Tehran to establish a permanent military presence in Syria, accusing Iran of moving drones and missiles into its Arab neighbour. Iranian forces have been sent to aid the Syrian government in a devastating seven‑year civil war against insurgents.