Iran and Israel say hostilities halted after exchange of strikes raises fears of wider war
Iran and Israel announced a halt to hostilities after exchanging missile strikes that escalated tensions, with Tehran linking its restraint to Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conflict resulted in civilian casualties in Lebanon, while global oil prices surged amid fears of renewed escalation, despite claims from both sides that the truce would hold unless attacks resumed.
Iran and Israel declared an end to hostilities on June 9 after a weekend of missile exchanges that threatened to widen the Middle East conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ‘fire on that front is contained,’ following Tehran’s announcement to cease military action. The escalation began when Iran launched nearly 30 missiles at Israel on Sunday in response to Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to urge restraint. Israel retaliated with strikes on Iranian military sites, prompting further Iranian missile launches before Tehran announced a truce. Iran warned that continued Israeli attacks on Hezbollah would force it to resume hostilities, while Netanyahu vowed a ‘full force’ response if Iran struck again. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that the campaign in Lebanon would continue, including strikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Violence persisted in southern Lebanon, with Israeli airstrikes killing at least 14 civilians across Tyre, Nabatieh, and Marwanieh, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The Israeli military reported intercepting projectiles near troops in Lebanon and a ‘suspicious aerial target’ from Yemen, with no casualties reported. Meanwhile, residents in Tel Aviv took shelter as sirens sounded, reflecting ongoing uncertainty. In Tehran, daily life showed signs of unease despite the truce, with packed cafes, lighter traffic, and longer queues at petrol stations. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of clarity about the situation, while Iran’s capital airport reopened to allow hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to land. Global oil prices initially surged over 5% amid fears of renewed conflict but later stabilized, reflecting lingering market tensions. The conflict has disrupted Gulf oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. The U.S. military also reported striking and disabling an unladen oil tanker on June 9, though details remain limited. Both sides have framed their restraint as conditional, with Iran tying its actions to Israel’s war in Lebanon and Israel emphasizing its right to self-defense.
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