Iran Halts Attacks on Israel for Now
Photo: Reuters
Iran has declared that it has ended its first wave of attacks against Israel following the April ceasefire. In a statement on Monday, the country’s armed forces announced a temporary suspension of military operations. However, they warned that strikes would resume if Israel continues attacks in Lebanon.
Israel did not immediately respond to the announcement. Late on Sunday, Iran launched missiles toward Israel, after which Israel carried out strikes on Iran. Tehran said the attack was in response to Israeli strikes on the outskirts of Beirut.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump called on Israel and Iran to immediately ‘stop shooting.’
This marks the first direct exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel since April. Analysts say the escalation could complicate Trump’s efforts to end the conflict with Israel that began in late February.
Iran’s military headquarters said it delivered a ‘painful response’ to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, including the strike on the outskirts of Beirut on Sunday.
In its statement, it said, "Accordingly, the operations of the armed forces are hereby declared halted; however, it is emphasized that if the aggressions and acts of mischief continue, including in southern Lebanon, much more severe and crushing actions than before will follow."
In several posts on social media, Trump said both Israel and Iran want an “immediate CEASEFIRE!”
He wrote that final negotiations on 'Peace' are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.
Trump also said that US sanctions on Iranian ports will remain in place until a final agreement is reached.
An Israeli official said Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
Source: Reuters (adaptive)
