Iran’s armed forces have announced an end to military operations against Israel, signaling a potential de-escalation in tensions after both countries exchanged fresh attacks that threatened to unravel a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.
According to reports carried by Iran’s Fars News Agency, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said military operations had been halted following what it described as a “painful response” to recent Israeli attacks. However, Tehran warned that any further Israeli military action, particularly in Lebanon, could trigger a much stronger response.
The announcement came hours after Iran launched missile attacks on Israel and Israeli forces carried out strikes on targets in central and western Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran, while air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel as both sides exchanged fire for the first time since the ceasefire reached in April.
Trump Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
United States President Donald Trump intensified diplomatic pressure on both sides, urging Israel and Iran to immediately halt hostilities.
In separate public statements, Trump said both countries were seeking an immediate ceasefire and claimed that final negotiations toward a broader peace arrangement were underway. While no formal agreement has been announced, the comments raised hopes that the latest escalation could be contained before developing into a wider regional conflict.
The White House has also maintained efforts to prevent the confrontation from spreading beyond Israel and Iran, amid growing concerns over instability across the Middle East.
Lebanon at the Centre of Rising Tensions
The latest round of hostilities was triggered by Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area considered a stronghold of Hezbollah.
Iran viewed the strikes as a violation of existing ceasefire understandings and responded with missile attacks targeting Israel. Tehran said its actions were carried out in support of Lebanon and warned that continued attacks on Lebanese territory could prompt renewed military action.
Lebanese officials have accused Israel of repeatedly violating ceasefire arrangements, while Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at neutralising Hezbollah-linked threats.
Despite Iran’s announcement, uncertainty remains over the durability of any ceasefire. The Israeli military has indicated it remains prepared for further fighting if necessary, while regional actors continue to monitor developments closely.
The conflict has also drawn in Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which claimed responsibility for attacks against Israel and threatened Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global trade routes.
