Iran and Israel said on Monday that hostilities between them had ceased, following an exchange of strikes that threatened to reignite the broader Middle East war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the "fire on that front is contained" hours after Tehran declared it had stopped its military action.
Exchange of Strikes
Tehran launched missiles at Israel on Sunday over Israel's ongoing war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel retaliated, despite efforts by US President Donald Trump to dissuade Netanyahu. That triggered another round of Iranian missiles before Tehran announced a ceasefire. Iran fired nearly 30 missiles at Israel overnight, according to the Israeli military, while Israel targeted military sites in Iran. No casualties have been reported in either country.
Continued Violence in Lebanon
Violence persisted in southern Lebanon on Monday. An Israeli strike killed five people in Tyre, another in Nabatieh left seven dead, and a third in Marwanieh killed two, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The Israeli military said it intercepted projectiles launched towards its soldiers in southern Lebanon, with one landing near troops without causing casualties. It also intercepted a "suspicious aerial target" from Yemen.
Diplomatic Efforts
Iran has sought to tie its truce with the United States—in place since April 8 despite repeated attacks—to Israel's war against Hezbollah, warning that attacks on Lebanon would force it to act. Tehran said on Monday it would attack again if Israel persisted with strikes in Lebanon. Netanyahu warned that should Iran "make the mistake of resuming attacks against us, we will respond with full force."
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz insisted the campaign in Lebanon would continue, stating that Israel would strike Hezbollah-dominated southern Beirut suburbs in retaliation for each attack on northern Israel. Trump, reportedly exasperated with Netanyahu, urged both sides to stop "shooting" and said peace negotiations would proceed "subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way." Netanyahu responded in a televised statement that he told Trump that "Israel has a full right to self-defence, and we are exercising it as required."
Economic Impact
The world's main crude contracts, Brent North Sea and West Texas Intermediate, surged more than five percent in Asian trading on worries of resumed war but eased later, logging gains of 1.3 percent and 0.8 percent respectively. The conflict has seen Iran nearly halt oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington has imposed a blockade on Iran's ports. The US military said it struck and disabled an unladen oil tanker on Monday that violated the blockade.
Public Sentiment
In Tehran, there was little sign of a return to war, with cafe terraces packed. Traffic was lighter than usual, suggesting some stayed home, and more people queued at petrol stations. Maryam, 41, an accountant, described "a sense of uncertainty and confusion." In Tel Aviv, residents went to shelters as sirens sounded. Jonathan Ariel, 30, said, "I hope it will be short, but you can never know." Iranian news agencies reported early Tuesday that Tehran's international airport had reopened after being shut down due to missile launches.
Diplomacy Continues
The exchange of fire came at a critical moment for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, involving mediator Pakistan. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned that diplomacy was continuing but could be affected by the fighting. As he spoke, a huge explosion shook the foreign ministry building, followed by repeated explosions from air defence systems. Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to deliver a "special letter" to Iran's supreme leader, returning to Pakistan on Monday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X that Tehran was still "at the negotiating table."
