Israel and Iran exchanged direct military strikes on Monday for the first time since a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement in April, raising concerns about a potential return to full-scale conflict in the Middle East.
The escalation began after Israel carried out strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut southern suburbs on Sunday. Tehran had previously warned that any attack on the Lebanese capital could trigger retaliation. Within hours, Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel, and Israel responded with strikes targeting military and infrastructure sites in Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would respond with force if Iran resumed attacks. Iranian officials said the military was halting offensive operations but warned that further aggression would be met with stronger measures.
US President Donald Trump called on both sides to stop fighting. Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated that negotiations between Washington and Tehran remained ongoing.
Regional powers including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Qatar urged the United States to press Israel to halt strikes on Iran and Beirut, while also calling on Iran to cease its attacks, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
The exchange of fire comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran reaches its 100th day. Since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, the conflict has affected global energy markets and contributed to rising prices for consumer goods.
Oil prices surged during the fighting before easing as both sides signaled a pause in offensive operations. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments, has remained a point of concern throughout the conflict.
Lebanese health authorities reported that an Israeli airstrike in the village of Zefta killed seven people, including a child. Another strike in the coastal city of Tyre killed five people and wounded eight others.
Yemen Iran-backed Houthi rebels also announced new threats against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, raising concerns about additional disruption to global trade routes.
Both Israel and Iran lifted safety restrictions imposed during the fighting. Israeli authorities said most schools that had closed would reopen, while Iran lifted airspace restrictions affecting civilian flights.