Iran and Israel Pause Attacks Amid Tensions

Iran and Israel have stopped attacking each other's territories after hours of heavy strikes.

Both countries announced the pause after US President Donald Trump reportedly called for an immediate end to the violence.

Iranian officials said they would halt their military actions first. Then, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel's "fire is on hold for now," but he warned that they would respond strongly if attacks resume.

Tehran also gave a similar warning when they announced the pause. Iran’s top military command, Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters, said they would retaliate with a "more severe and forceful response than before" if Israel continues its attacks, “including in southern Lebanon.”

The fighting began on Monday morning, completely breaking the ceasefire and raising tensions in the region. This came a day after Iran launched a missile at northern Israel in response to Israel's attack on Lebanon.

At least two people died and 20 were injured in the attack, which hit the Dahieh district in the Beirut suburb of Southern Lebanon. Iran accused Israel of crossing “all red lines” after this attack. The IRGC also claimed that the US and Israel failed to keep their promises and violated the ceasefire by repeatedly attacking Iranian waters and vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, and the Indian Ocean.

“Tonight’s operation was a warning; if aggressions are repeated, the responses will be broader,” they said on Sunday.

By Monday morning, both Israel and Iran were exchanging fire. Explosions were reported in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. After this, Israel announced that Iran launched a second wave of strikes into its territory.

Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon had been a major source of tension during the ceasefire. There were fears that Israel's increased actions in Lebanon could impact the US-Iran ceasefire. Tehran insisted that Lebanon should be part of a wider ceasefire deal.

Mr Trump mentioned that the US was “very close” to a deal to end the three-month standoff with Iran, which he did not want to jeopardize.

He told Axios that he warned Mr Netanyahu that the Israeli leader could isolate himself with continued strikes against Iran.

“I said, ‘Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon,’” Mr Trump was quoted as saying.

He added that five other regional countries were worried about the situation and asked him to step in. He did not mention which countries.

Mr Trump also told Axios that Iranian officials reached out to him, saying they would stop if Israel backed off.

“They called us and said that they are not doing any more attacks and asked us to tell Israel not to do any more attacks,” he said.