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Iran announces that it is halting attacks on Israel, but warned of a harsher response if Israel continues “aggression” in Lebanon.
“The cessation of armed forces operations is announced,” Khatam al-Anbiya, Iran’s emergency military command, said in a statement carried by Iranian media.
“However, it is emphasized that if the aggression and acts of malice continue, including in southern Lebanon, much more severe and crushing measures than before will be forthcoming,” the statement added.
Iran resumed strikes a day earlier in response to an Israeli attack that targeted the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut — a stronghold of Hezbollah.
By the time the pause was announced, at least 24 ballistic missiles had been launched at Israel from the Islamic Republic, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which said that all missiles were either intercepted or fell in open areas. Hebrew media didn’t report any casualties.
Israel responded by launching dozens of strikes against Iran, mainly targeting air defenses and petrochemical facilities — allegedly involved in the production of raw materials for the manufacture of missiles.
Following the Iranian announcement, an Israeli official told Hebrew media that Israel also decided to halt strikes on the Islamic Republic.
The decision came at the request of United States President Donald Trump, according to the unnamed official, who stressed that Israel will not stop its offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, saying, “The sense is that this round of fighting is behind us. We are awaiting a final decision from the political leadership.”
It’s worth noting that Trump spoke over the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Iran’s announcement that it would halt attacks.
Trump said earlier in the day that both Israel and Iran want “an immediate ceasefire” but warns that “stupidity” could thwart a peaceful resolution.
“Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE!” he wrote on Truth Social. “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.
While the clash is over for now, tensions remain high. The IDF is reportedly preparing for several days of fighting against Iran, and its operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon are still ongoing.
The Islamic Republic could strike back again soon, possibly within a few days, if the U.S. fails to get Israel to back down in Lebanon.
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