Iran announces suspension of military operations against Israel amid renewed diplomatic efforts, while tensions remain high across the Middle East
Tehran: Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Military Command announced on Monday that the country's armed forces have halted military operations against Israel following what it described as a "painful response" to recent developments in the region. The announcement comes amid growing international efforts to prevent a wider conflict and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The military command said its actions were carried out in support of Lebanon following Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and Beirut's Dahiyeh district. Iranian authorities warned, however, that any further attacks would trigger a significantly stronger response.
Trump Says Israel and Iran Seeking Immediate Ceasefire
The latest developments coincided with comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that both Israel and Iran were looking to implement an immediate ceasefire and that discussions aimed at achieving a broader peace agreement were underway.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said negotiations were progressing and expressed optimism that developments could move quickly toward a diplomatic resolution. He also urged both sides to immediately stop military exchanges.
"Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate ceasefire," Trump said in a social media post.
Israel Continues Military Operations in Iranian Airspace
Despite discussions surrounding a ceasefire, the Israeli military stated that it had conducted large-scale strikes targeting strategic Iranian air defense systems. Israeli officials claimed the operations had expanded the Israeli Air Force's freedom of action within Iranian airspace.
Reports from Iran indicated that air defense systems were activated in Yazd province to counter what authorities described as hostile targets. Explosions were also reported in several areas as both sides exchanged strikes.
Hormuz Strait Threat Raises Global Concerns
In another significant development, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warned that any warships from what it termed "hostile countries" entering the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted immediately.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, carrying a substantial share of global oil shipments. Any disruption to navigation through the waterway could have major implications for global energy markets and international trade.
EU Calls for De-escalation and Diplomatic Talks
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged all parties to pursue a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. She emphasized that renewed diplomatic engagement, including discussions over Iran's nuclear programme, could resume once hostilities cease.
International leaders continue to express concern that further escalation could destabilize the broader Middle East and affect global security.
Regional Tensions Continue to Rise
Adding to the uncertainty, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile launches targeting Israel and announced restrictions on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities reported dismantling several militant cells in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan during ongoing security operations.
Iran's judiciary also confirmed that thousands of individuals have been investigated or detained on allegations of cooperating with hostile entities amid the ongoing conflict.
Background
The current tensions follow the collapse of a fragile ceasefire arrangement that had helped reduce hostilities earlier this year. Renewed military exchanges between Israel and Iran escalated after strikes linked to developments in Lebanon, triggering missile attacks, retaliatory airstrikes, and heightened security alerts across the region. Global powers, including the United States and the European Union, have since intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding into a broader regional war.
