Iran halts offensive against Israel as ceasefire fractures amid renewed hostilities
The breakdown of the two-month truce has triggered a rapid escalation involving ballistic missile exchanges, targeted strikes on petrochemical infrastructure, and significant volatility in global energy markets.
Iran’s military command announced on Monday that it was halting its operation against Israel, marking the end of a brief but intense exchange of fire that shattered the ceasefire established in April. The Khatam al-Anbiya command, speaking through state television, stated that Iran had delivered a "painful response" to Israeli actions and accordingly declared the cessation of armed forces operations. This development follows the first direct military engagement between the two nations since the truce took effect two months ago.
Israel’s military reported that Iranian forces fired nearly 30 ballistic missiles towards Israeli territory starting Sunday night. In response, Israeli forces struck a petrochemical plant in southwestern Iran and targeted other military installations. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it had retaliated by targeting a petrochemical facility in Haifa, warning that Israel had initiated a "dangerous game" that would encompass all energy-related targets in the region.
The escalation has had immediate economic repercussions, with oil prices rising more than 4 per cent. Brent crude futures climbed 4.3 per cent to US$97.11 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 4.3 per cent to US$94.44. The market volatility reflects growing concerns that the renewed hostilities, which also involve strikes in Lebanon and threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, could plunge the Middle East back into wider conflict.
US President Donald Trump stated that both sides were seeking an immediate ceasefire and that final negotiations on peace were proceeding, although he cautioned that progress remained subject to "ignorance or stupidity." In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged both Israel and Iran to stop "shooting" and indicated that the blockade would remain in full force until a final deal was reached. He also reportedly advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from further attacks.
Diplomatic efforts are intensifying as international actors express concern. The European Union imposed sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities for threatening maritime traffic, while China expressed deep concern over the fresh attacks, urging all parties to respect the fragile truce. Meanwhile, talks on advancing the Gaza ceasefire resumed in Cairo, involving mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, alongside Palestinian factions, even as violence continues to plague the territory.
