A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran has collapsed once again, with both countries trading missile strikes and aerial attacks over the weekend.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Monday with a message for both Israel and Iran: “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’ President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him not to retaliate against Iran’s missile attack, according to U.S. officials, Axios reported. Israel nevertheless carried out strikes on Iranian targets.
The latest escalation began after Israel conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, per The New York Times. Iran described the action as crossing a line in the ceasefire that had held since April 8 and responded by launching ballistic missiles toward Israel.
Israel responded with airstrikes on Iranian military targets in western and central Iran, including air defense systems and the Mahshahr petrochemical complex, which Israel said was linked to weapons production. Iran fired additional waves of missiles toward Israel in response.
Strikes Pause After Monday’s Exchanges
On Monday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) told The Times of Israel that they had struck Iranian air defense systems that were rebuilt during the ceasefire, then hit a large petrochemical facility it claimed was being used to produce weapons materials.
Iran’s military later announced it was halting offensive operations against Israel but warned it would respond with greater force if Israeli strikes — particularly those in Lebanon — continued, per The Guardian.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has since placed the blame for the escalation of attacks squarely on America and political leaders in Washington. Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has made continued claims that the U.S. bears direct responsibility for Israel’s actions and warned that the recent developments would “only worsen the chaotic situation of the diplomatic process,” per Reuters.
What’s Next
Trump posted Monday that peace negotiations should move “quickly,” and said both sides are seeking an immediate ceasefire.
“Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on “Peace” are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way. The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a “Final Deal” is reached. Things should move quickly,” the President wrote roughly one hour after the ‘stop shooting’ post.
Whether any long-lasting ceasefire holds is still in question. Israel has indicated it would halt further strikes on Iran for now, while continuing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon — the trigger for the latest exchange.
Talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program remain ongoing, but how much this past weekend’s fighting has set them back – and whether either side still has the appetite to push through to an agreement – is an open question.
