TEHRAN: Iran announced on Monday that it would halt its recent military operations targeting Israel after the initial exchange of fire since a fragile ceasefire was established. However, Tehran warned that it remains prepared to unleash a more overwhelming response if hostilities persist, especially in southern Lebanon.
Earlier, Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israeli territory overnight, prompting Israel to retaliate by striking military targets within Iran. This exchange raised fears of a broader conflict emerging, threatening to escalate beyond the current standstill that began on April 8.
US President Donald Trump urged both Iran and Israel to cease their fighting efforts, emphasizing the importance of stopping the violence. He also commented on the ongoing negotiations for peace, suggesting that progress could be derailed by ignorance or foolishness.
Following Iran’s missile attacks, Israel responded by targeting military sites across Iran, and its forces intercepted three projectiles fired from Lebanon near the border, with no injuries reported. These events occurred amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah, which Iran backs, and warnings from Iran that it would retaliate if Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, was attacked.
In Tehran, life appeared to carry on relatively normally, with cafes busy and traffic lighter than usual. People expressed feelings of uncertainty and frustration about the possibility of renewed conflict. Conversely, residents of Tel Aviv took shelter as sirens sounded, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the situation.
Global markets reacted negatively, with oil prices jumping over five percent due to fears of renewed war, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict diplomatically. Pakistan’s mediators, involved in diplomatic talks to de-escalate the crisis, reported that these efforts remain ongoing, despite the recent violence.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that diplomacy continues, although the escalation could hamper progress. Meanwhile, a large explosion at the Tehran foreign ministry building was reported, followed by multiple blasts believed to be from air defense systems.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister delivered a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mullah Khamenei, but has since returned to Pakistan. Iranian President Masoud Pezehskian stated that Tehran remains committed to negotiations.
No casualties have been reported so far in the fighting. Israel claims to have dismantled Iranian defense systems and struck nearly 30 missiles launched from Iran since Sunday night. An incident in Syria caused minor material damage but no human injuries.
Sources suggest Iran is prepared for a prolonged conflict, including potential strikes against US interests. The decision-making leadership in Tehran remains uncertain, especially after reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, possibly wounded in recent strikes, has yet to appear publicly.
European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called for both sides to return to negotiation, emphasizing that escalation in the region is unnecessary at this stage.
