Israel and Iran Appear to Pause Strikes After Trading Fire for the First Time Since April Ceasefire
Israel and Iran paused retaliatory strikes after exchanging fire for the first time since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in April, though both warned of further escalation if provoked. The renewed hostilities killed at least 12 civilians in Lebanon, while the U.S. disabled an Indian-crewed oil tanker attempting to breach its blockade on Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.
Israel and Iran appeared to de-escalate Monday after trading strikes for the first time since a U.S.-negotiated ceasefire in April, though both sides vowed severe retaliation if provoked. The Israeli military conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing seven people in Zefta—including a Syrian child—and five in Tyre, where some victims were Lebanese Red Cross members. Iranian military leaders stated further aggression would be met with ‘much more severe measures,’ while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu implied the current round of fighting was over but reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. The renewed hostilities raised fears of a broader regional war, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling for an immediate halt to fighting. Both countries lifted safety restrictions, including school closures in Israel and airspace limits in Iran, though Iran maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz—a critical shipping lane for global oil and gas. The U.S. military disabled a Palau-flagged oil tanker, the M/T Marivex, in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach the U.S.-imposed blockade on Iranian ports, with all 24 Indian crew members reported safe. The conflict has disrupted global markets, driving up energy and food prices since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Iran has maintained pressure on shipping routes. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the escalation’s regional impact, though no further details were provided. Netanyahu’s statement emphasized Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah, framing them as necessary self-defense. Iran’s joint command reiterated its readiness to respond to ‘hostile acts’ by Israel and its allies, including in Lebanon. The pause in strikes followed a weekend of heightened tensions after Israel accused Iran of orchestrating attacks through regional proxies, though neither side confirmed direct involvement.
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