The latest
Israel and Iran on Monday announced a halt to their exchange of attacks less than 24 hours after a new round of escalation that included Iranian missile launches and Israeli strikes inside Iran.
A senior Israeli official said Israel would suspend its attacks on Iran “at Trump’s request,” adding that Israeli officials believe the current round of confrontation has effectively come to an end.
On the Iranian side, authorities announced the end of military operations against Israel but warned that any new Israeli attack, particularly in southern Lebanon, would trigger a “more severe and difficult” response.
Details
• The Israeli official said the decision applies only to Iran and does not affect ongoing military operations in Lebanon.
• Trump publicly called for an immediate ceasefire, saying both Israel and Iran want de-escalation and that negotiations toward a broader agreement are moving forward.
• Israeli sources said planned strikes scheduled for later in the day were under review following the Trump-Netanyahu phone call.
• Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that security authorities had declared the military operation against Israel over, while maintaining a state of readiness.
• Despite the announcement, Iran suspended all flights from its airports until further notice.
How the escalation began
The latest confrontation started after Iran launched 11 missiles toward Israel in response to Israeli strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Israel responded with airstrikes on targets inside Iran, including facilities at the Karoun Petrochemical Complex in Mahshahr in the country’s southwest, before U.S. efforts intensified to contain the crisis.
What to watch
The mutual decision to halt attacks reduces the immediate risk of a broader direct confrontation between Israel and Iran. However, Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon could test the durability of the de-escalation and risk renewed tensions if Tehran links future developments there to the current arrangement.
