TEHRAN — Iran announced on Monday that it was halting military operations against Israel following a limited exchange of missile and airstrikes, the first direct confrontation between the two countries since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect in April.
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees the country's military operations, said in a statement carried by state television that it had delivered a response to Israel and was therefore suspending further attacks. The announcement came hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs.
Israeli forces responded with strikes on military targets in Iran, including air defense systems and the Mahshahr petrochemical complex in the country's southwest, according to the Israeli military and Iranian officials. Explosions were reported in areas including Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz, though immediate details on damage or casualties from the latest exchanges remained unclear.
The flare-up tested a fragile ceasefire arrangement reached in April 2026, which had paused broader hostilities that began earlier in the year. Iranian officials had warned that continued Israeli actions in Lebanon would prompt a response, framing the missile launches as retaliation for strikes in Beirut.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop the exchanges. "Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE!" Trump said, according to reports citing his statements. Diplomats were working to preserve the truce amid concerns it could unravel into wider regional fighting.
Israeli officials have not immediately commented on Iran's announcement. The Israeli military said it intercepted incoming projectiles, with air raid sirens sounding in parts of the country, including Jerusalem. No immediate casualties were reported on the Israeli side from the Iranian missile barrage.
The incident also involved activity from Iran-backed groups. Yemen's Houthis launched missiles toward Israel, marking their first such action since the April truce, according to Israeli reports.
The April ceasefire, mediated with U.S. and Qatari involvement, followed months of intense conflict that included large-scale strikes and significant casualties across the region. Both sides have accused the other of violations in the intervening period, particularly over actions in Lebanon.
As of Monday evening, the situation remained fluid. Iran's military statement warned that operations could resume if attacks on Lebanon continued. Details on further diplomatic efforts or the precise status of the broader truce were not immediately available.
