Iran, Israel exchange fire in first clash since truce

Iran and Israel resumed hostilities overnight, ending a five-week ceasefire that had paused their war. Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel, striking Nevatim and Tel Nof air bases and a petrochemical facility, in retaliation for Israel’s earlier attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah targets in Beirut. Israel responded by targeting Iranian defense systems across multiple locations, with its military intercepting additional incoming missiles. The escalation disrupted fragile diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with Pakistan’s interior minister delivering a message from Iran’s supreme leader to mediators over the weekend. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned that the diplomatic process would be affected but insisted consultations continued. Meanwhile, a drone was reportedly shot down over Tehran, triggering explosions at the foreign ministry building. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis announced a new missile attack on Israel and reinstated a ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, further complicating regional stability. Oil prices surged amid fears of renewed conflict disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global trade route. U.S. President Donald Trump urged restraint, calling on both sides to return to negotiations and accusing Iran of provocation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly defied Trump’s calls, while Iran blamed the U.S. for coordinating Israel’s actions. The European Union and China also urged de-escalation, warning that further fighting would harm all parties involved. No casualties have been reported in either country, but tensions remain high as both sides exchange threats. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vowed to target energy-related facilities in the region, while Israel’s military confirmed dismantling Iranian defense systems in retaliation.