US President Donald Trump has called on Israel and Iran to "immediately stop shooting" after the two nations exchanged missile strikes, breaking a ceasefire that had been in place since April. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that it had struck military targets "belonging to the Iranian terror regime" on Monday morning, responding to earlier Iranian missile launches against Israel.
Retaliatory Strikes and Airspace Closures
The Israeli retaliatory strikes prompted a fresh wave of attacks from Tehran, according to Israeli officials, with sirens sounding and civilians urged to seek shelter. The IDF confirmed that its attacks targeted areas in western and central Iran. Iranian state television reported explosions in the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz, and Tehran. In response, Iran closed the airspace around Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Trump's Social Media Posts
In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump wrote: "Israel and Iran must immediately stop 'shooting.'" He followed up with another message stating that the two countries "are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE!" Trump added: "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."
Global Economic Impact
The resumption of hostilities between Israel and Iran has affected global markets, with oil prices rising overnight. Brent Crude traded at over $97 a barrel shortly before 7am UK time. The Foreign Secretary urged restraint, posting on X: "The resumption of conflict between Iran and Israel is in no one's interest. Both sides must show restraint and de-escalate immediately. Negotiations must continue towards the lasting settlement that we all need, for peace and stability in the region, and for the full restoration of global trade."
White House and Diplomatic Reactions
The White House has not yet commented on the Israeli strikes. However, Trump earlier told Fox News Channel that he wanted Iran to stop firing missiles and return to negotiations. He also expressed displeasure over Israel's strikes on Lebanon on Sunday. A senior US official informed the Associated Press that Trump had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him not to carry out an immediate response to the Iranian attacks.
Missile Interceptions and Regional Warnings
Sirens were heard across Israel, with explosions reported in the northern part of the country. The Israeli military stated that it intercepted missiles, and civilians were allowed to leave shelters but advised to remain nearby. Israel's ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, stated on X that Iran had fired 11 ballistic missiles at Israel and that the Israeli response targeted Iranian surface-to-surface missile launch sites and infrastructure. He wrote: "If Hizballah fires at Israel, its command centers in the Dahiya will be hit hard. This has nothing to do with Iran. Everyone has had enough of this maniacal Iranian regime."
Additionally, a missile was launched from Yemen toward Israel, though no impact was reported. Sirens sounded early Monday near the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, which houses US forces. Saudi Arabia later confirmed that the missile danger in the Al Kharj region had passed.
