Iran and Israel announced on Monday that they halted attacks on each other after U. S. President Donald Trump urged them to “stop shooting. ” Iran warned it would resume attacks if Israel continued its strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. This confrontation escalated tensions and threatened ongoing U. S. efforts to negotiate peace between Iran and Israel after months of conflict.
Oil prices initially rose but later fell when Iran declared its first wave of strikes on Israel was over. The U. S. dollar also decreased from its peak. Reports indicated that Israel too decided to stop its attacks on Iran following Tehran’s missile launches towards Israeli territory. Israel responded by targeting Iranian locations, which it claimed were linked to missile production.
Iran’s military stated it provided a “painful response” to Israeli strikes near Beirut and announced its operations were halted but warned of severe consequences if Israeli aggressions continued. This back-and-forth highlighted the fragile status of the ceasefire established earlier in April, as flare-ups continued despite efforts for peace.
Trump commented on social media, expressing that both countries sought an immediate ceasefire, while emphasizing the need for U. S. action in blocking Iranian ports until a final deal could be reached. Reports indicated that Trump communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation.
Israeli officials mentioned they would maintain military operations as needed and confirmed strikes on Iranian air defense systems. Iranian officials appeared equally resolute, indicating readiness for prolonged conflict and threatening renewed attacks on U. S. interests.
Tehran’s Foreign Ministry expressed skepticism about ongoing communications with the U. S., accusing Israel of undermining diplomatic efforts. In Tehran, explosions were reported, with air defenses successfully downing a drone without casualties.
The Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen declared intentions to disrupt Israeli maritime activities and reportedly launched missiles at Israel. They had previously remained mostly uninvolved in the regional war.
During the latest exchanges, it was reported that Iran fired approximately 30 ballistic missiles at Israel, while Israel targeted sites in Iran linked to missile production. Although 15 injuries occurred across Iran due to Israeli strikes, no fatalities were reported. Conversely, Israel reported no casualties from the missile launches.
Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to resume in Washington, and Iran continues to hinder shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions remain high as the U. S. aims to ensure Iran does not advance its nuclear capabilities, while Iran demands the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its influence over the strait.
With information from Reuters
