The fragile stability of the Middle East was thrown into chaos on Monday after Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire, prompting a reaction from United States President Donald Trump who has been championing a ceasefire.
This aggressive military action marks the first direct exchange of fire between the two rivals since an April 8 truce, undermining the ongoing U.S. diplomatic strategy to solidify a permanent Middle East ceasefire deal.
The renewed conflict erupted after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles targeting Israeli military airbases on Sunday.
The Iranian strikes were reportedly triggered by recent Israeli military operations in Lebanon and a tight maritime blockade.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it has targeted two Israeli air bases in Nevatim and Tel Nof, according to Iranian state media.
The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that the IRGC said the operation was carried out in response to missiles Israel had fired “against several radar sites in three locations” in Iran.
Responding, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated it has “completed a large-scale strike” on “strategic defence systems” in Iran.
In a new statement, it said that “dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets” were involved in the attacks in central and western Iran, adding that the systems had been dismantled.
“These strikes further enhance the Israeli Air Force’s freedom of action in Iranian airspace,” the IDF stated.
After Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire, Trump called for a halt in tit-for-tat strikes.
“Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’ President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump wrote on Truth Social early Monday.
In another post, Trump stated: “Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Also, the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for Iran and Israel to “get back to a ceasefire” after strikes resumed between the two countries.
Starmer said he is “deeply concerned about the resumption of violence” in the Middle East, adding that “serious negotiations” are going on towards “a lasting peace”.
The conflict is having “a huge impact across the world”, including in the UK, Starmer said.
“So I say to all parties, we all have a responsibility to get back to that ceasefire and it’s really important we’re very clear about that.”
Meanwhile, oil prices have continued to climb after Iran and Israel exchanged missile fire at each other for the first time since a ceasefire was agreed between the sides and the U.S in April.
The price of the global benchmark Brent was up by 4.5% at $97.30 (£73) a barrel, while US-traded crude gained by 4.3% to around $94.50.
Asian markets fell sharply on Monday, with major indexes, such as South Korea’s Kospi, declining by nearly 8%.
