We won’t strike on Israel, but resume if they attack: Iran
Iran’s military announced on Monday that it had concluded its latest wave of attacks against Israel, while warning that it would resume military action if Israel continues strikes on Lebanon.
The announcement came after a brief but intense exchange of attacks between the two countries, marking their first direct confrontation since a ceasefire in April.
Iran said its missile strikes on Israel late Sunday were a response to Israeli attacks on the outskirts of Beirut. Israel, however, offered no immediate response to Tehran’s declaration and continued military operations.
Israeli forces struck a petrochemical facility in southwestern Iran, claiming the site was involved in the production of materials for Iran’s ballistic missile program. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it retaliated by targeting a similar facility in the Israeli city of Haifa. The escalation prompted US President Donald Trump to call on both sides to halt hostilities immediately.
“Israel and Iran both want an immediate ceasefire,” Trump wrote on social media, adding that negotiations aimed at ending the conflict were continuing. He also said US restrictions on Iranian ports would remain in place until a final agreement is reached.
According to Iran’s military headquarters, the country had delivered a “painful response” to Israel for its attacks on Lebanon but was now halting operations. The statement warned that any further Israeli actions, particularly in southern Lebanon, would trigger a much stronger response.
An Israeli military official said the country remained prepared for an extended campaign if necessary, while an Iranian military source indicated Tehran was also ready for a prolonged conflict.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran on Monday, with air defence systems reportedly intercepting a drone over the capital. No casualties or significant damage were immediately reported.
The renewed hostilities raised concerns about regional stability and threatened ongoing US-led diplomatic efforts to secure a broader peace agreement. The attacks also pushed global oil prices up by around 4%, reflecting fears of disruption to Middle Eastern energy supplies.
Adding to tensions, Yemen’s Houthi movement announced it would seek to disrupt Israeli-linked maritime navigation in the Red Sea and claimed responsibility for launching missiles toward Israel.
Despite the announcement of a halt in operations, the situation remains fragile, with both Iran and Israel signaling readiness for further military action if tensions escalate again.
