Israel halts strikes on Iran but vows Lebanon campaign as Trump pushes ceasefire
Israel and Iran declared a pause in hostilities on Monday after a 15-hour exchange of direct missile strikes, as US President Donald Trump intervened to demand an immediate ceasefire and push for final peace negotiations. Both sides confirmed they had halted military operations, though each tied the truce to conditions that risk further escalation. Iran warned it would respond with “crushing force” if Israel continued strikes in Lebanon, while Israel vowed to maintain its campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon despite Trump’s appeal.
The flare-up began late Sunday when Israel launched airstrikes on a petrochemical plant in Mahshahr, Iran, prompting Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to retaliate by targeting a similar facility in Haifa, Israel. Iranian state media reported no immediate casualties from the Israeli strikes, while Israel said its missile defense systems intercepted most incoming fire. The exchanges marked the first direct attacks between the two nations since a fragile ceasefire took effect in April.
Trump, speaking from the White House, claimed both sides were now seeking an immediate ceasefire and said final negotiations were underway. “They want to stop shooting,” he told reporters. “We’re working on a deal.” The US president also reiterated that the American naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in full force until a comprehensive agreement is reached. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a pause in strikes on Iran but stressed that operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue.
Analysts warn the truce remains fragile. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted by state media as saying the Islamic Republic would “not hesitate to respond decisively” if Israel violated the terms. Meanwhile, Netanyahu told Channel 12 that Israel was prepared to strike again if provoked. The European Union and United Nations called for restraint, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urging all parties to “avoid any action that could lead to a wider conflict.”
The crisis has sent oil prices higher and strained US-Israel relations, with reports suggesting Netanyahu defied Trump’s direct plea not to retaliate against Iran. The White House confirmed Trump had personally urged Netanyahu to hold off, in an effort to protect fragile peace talks between Washington and Tehran. As the region holds its breath, the episode underscores the precarious balance of power and the high stakes of any misstep in a conflict that could rapidly spiral beyond control.




