US President Donald Trump has called on Israel and Iran to "immediately stop shooting" after the two nations exchanged missile strikes for the first time since a ceasefire in April. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced it had struck military targets "belonging to the Iranian terror regime" on Monday morning, following an earlier Iranian missile attack against Israel.
Retaliatory Strikes and Airspace Closures
The retaliatory strikes from Israel prompted a fresh wave of attacks from Tehran, according to Israeli officials. People were urged to seek shelter as sirens sounded across the country. The IDF confirmed its attacks targeted western and central Iran. Iranian state television reported explosions in Isfahan, Tabriz, and Tehran. In response, Iran closed the airspace around Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Trump's Calls for De-escalation
In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump wrote: "Israel and Iran must immediately stop 'shooting.'" He followed with a second post stating the two countries "are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE!" He 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 Impact and Oil Prices
The resumption of violence between Israel and Iran caused oil prices to rise overnight, with Brent Crude trading at over $97 a barrel shortly before 7am UK time. The Foreign Secretary commented 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."
US Response and Diplomatic Efforts
The White House has not officially commented on the Israeli strikes, but Trump earlier told Fox News Channel he wanted the Iranians to stop firing missiles and return to the negotiating table. He also expressed displeasure over Israel's strikes on Lebanon on Sunday. A senior US official told the Associated Press that Trump had spoken to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him not to carry out an immediate response to the Iranian attacks.
Hezbollah and Regional Tensions
Tehran had earlier warned of retaliation for Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, which Israel said were in response to Hezbollah firing at northern Israel. Sirens were heard across Israel, with explosions reported in the north. The Israeli military intercepted missiles, and people 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 the 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."
Missile Threats from Yemen
Israel reported a missile launch from Yemen, with no impacts recorded. Sirens sounded near the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, which houses US forces. Saudi Arabia later confirmed the missile danger in the Al Kharj region had passed.
