4 min readNew DelhiJun 9, 2026 01:28 PM IST
First published on: Jun 8, 2026 at 04:18 PM IST
Israel and Iran have stepped back from their latest round of military exchanges after US President Donald Trump called on both sides to stop firing and return to negotiations.
The pause follows a series of missile and air strikes that marked the most significant direct confrontation between the two countries since a ceasefire was announced in April. The renewed violence raised concerns that the region could slide back into a wider conflict.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said attacks from Iran had stopped following Israeli operations against Iranian targets. However, he warned that Israel would respond if it faced further attacks.
Iran also signaled that it was pausing its operations but maintained that it would react if it believed Israeli actions continued to threaten its interests. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would continue to respond to what it described as violations and stressed that trust could only be built through actions rather than statements.
What did Trump say?
Trump said both Israel and Iran should immediately stop military action and focus on reaching a broader agreement.
In posts on social media, he said both sides were seeking an immediate ceasefire and indicated that discussions aimed at securing a longer-term peace arrangement were continuing. He also said the US blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place until a final agreement was reached.
According to reports, Trump has also privately urged Netanyahu to avoid steps that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. He was quoted as warning the Israeli leader to be cautious as negotiations continue.
What triggered the latest escalation?
The latest exchange followed Israeli strikes in Lebanon targeting positions linked to Hezbollah. Iran, a long-time supporter of Hezbollah, responded after Israeli attacks expanded to targets inside Iran, including a petrochemical facility.
Farmers spray water in a burned agricultural field next to a projectile near the town of Najha, Syria. (Photo” AP)
Iran’s military said it launched missiles at Israeli military sites in response. Israel said it carried out further strikes against Iranian military infrastructure and air defence systems.
At the same time, Iran-backed Houthi movement forces in Yemen warned that they could target vessels linked to Israel in the Red Sea, adding another point of tension in the region.
Why does Lebanon remain a key issue?
A major disagreement remains over Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iranian officials have argued that any lasting ceasefire should include an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Israeli leaders have rejected that condition and have said operations against Hezbollah will continue if they view the group as a threat. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would continue acting against Hezbollah and would respond to any attacks from Lebanon.
What ahead?
Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue, but several issues remain unresolved. The recent exchange of attacks highlighted how quickly tensions can rise despite the ceasefire framework currently in place.
For now, attacks between Israel and Iran have paused, but the situation remains closely tied to developments in Lebanon, ongoing US-Iran negotiations and security concerns across the wider Middle East.
President Donald Trump speaks at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls, Wis. (Photo: AP) 
Farmers spray water in a burned agricultural field next to a projectile near the town of Najha, Syria. (Photo” AP)
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