Iran Halts Israel Strikes, Warns of New Action

People walk on a street near a mural featuring an image of the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran, Iran June 8, 2026.

Iran announced on Monday that it had halted its latest round of military strikes against Israel, while warning that attacks could resume if Israeli operations in Lebanon continue.

The announcement came after renewed hostilities between the two regional rivals, marking their first direct military exchange since a ceasefire in April.

Iran’s military said the initial phase of operations had ended after what it described as a “painful response” to Israeli attacks near Beirut. However, Tehran warned that any further escalation, particularly in southern Lebanon, would trigger a stronger military response.

“The operations of the armed forces are now halted, but if aggression continues, far more severe actions will follow,” Iranian military authorities said in a statement.

Israel did not immediately comment on Iran’s announcement. Tensions escalated after Iran launched missiles toward Israel late Sunday, which Tehran said was retaliation for Israeli strikes on the outskirts of Beirut.

The renewed violence raised concerns about a wider regional conflict and disrupted diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities.

US President Donald Trump called on both sides to immediately stop military action, saying Washington was continuing efforts to secure a ceasefire and broader peace arrangement.

In a series of public remarks, Trump said both countries wanted an immediate ceasefire, though he cautioned that negotiations could still be derailed. He also said restrictions on Iranian ports would remain until a final agreement is reached.

An Israeli official said Trump held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday as tensions intensified.

Meanwhile, Israel said it targeted facilities linked to Iran’s missile programme, including a petrochemical plant in southwestern Iran allegedly used to support ballistic missile production.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it responded by targeting a similar facility in the Israeli port city of Haifa.

Iranian officials accused Israel of attempting to derail diplomatic efforts and warned that the United States would bear responsibility for actions threatening regional stability.

Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran on Monday, with air defence systems reportedly intercepting a drone over the capital. No casualties or major damage were immediately reported.

The regional fallout also widened as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement announced plans to intensify disruption of Israeli-linked maritime navigation in the Red Sea and claimed to have launched missiles toward Israel.

According to Israeli military officials, nearly 30 ballistic missiles were fired from Iran since Sunday evening, alongside additional launches from Yemen.

The renewed confrontation pushed global oil prices up by around four percent, adding pressure to international efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict.