DUBAI — Iran’s armed forces announced the end of military operations against Israel on Monday, hours after the two sides exchanged direct strikes for the first time since the April ceasefire — a significant de-escalation signal as US President Donald Trump claimed both governments were “looking to do an immediate ceasefire.”
“Iran’s armed forces announce the end of military operations against Israel,” state media reported, citing the Armed Forces General Staff. Fresh explosions were reported in Tehran as Israel’s IDF said it expected “several days of fighting” with Iran.
Trump told reporters at the White House: “I think they both want to do an immediate ceasefire. We are in final peace negotiations.” The US president demanded that Israel and Iran “immediately stop shooting.”
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Israel had bombed Lebanon nearly 3,500 times since the ceasefire took effect in April — an average of 58 strikes per day. “The ceasefire is dead,” Mikati said. “Israel has turned it into a meaningless piece of paper.”
Yemen’s Houthi movement confirmed a missile attack on Israel and banned Israeli shipping from the Red Sea entirely, covering all vessels linked to Israeli ownership.
Israel struck Iran despite Trump’s plea for restraint. Iran’s foreign ministry said the US was “directly responsible” for recent ceasefire breaches. The US-Iran confrontation has entered its 101st day.
Written by Layla Hassan, MENA Correspondent