Trump issues warning to Netanyahu as Israel and Iran halt hostilities

President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel and Iran simultaneously halted military hostilities. The de-escalation occurred on Monday, marking the first cessation of direct attacks between the two nations since a fragile, US-brokered ceasefire was established in early April 2026. The pause in fighting follows a cycle of retaliation that coincided with the 100-day mark of the broader regional conflict.

The recent escalation began with an Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which resulted in two deaths and 20 injuries. In response, Iran’s military joint command fired a salvo of missiles at Israeli targets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had held discussions with counterparts in Britain, France, Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan on Sunday regarding these ceasefire violations prior to the exchange of fire.

Following the Monday exchanges, the Iranian military’s joint command confirmed it had halted offensive strikes. However, the command issued a stern warning that any further aggression by Israel or its allies would be met with “much more severe and crushing measures.” The halt in operations came after urgent diplomatic interventions from regional leaders and the Trump administration aimed at preventing a wider regional war.

Concurrently with the diplomatic developments, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported the cumulative toll of the ongoing violence. According to the ministry, Israeli strikes since March have killed 3,637 people in Lebanon and wounded 11,188 others. Previous reports have highlighted specific incidents, including strikes on Zefta that killed seven people, including a Syrian child, and an attack on Tyre that killed five, including members of the Lebanese Red Cross.

The current standoff represents a critical juncture in the conflict, which has already exacted a significant toll on civilian infrastructure and safety. While the immediate exchange of fire has ceased, the underlying tensions remain high, with the Iranian military maintaining its readiness for further retaliation if deemed necessary. The precise diplomatic content of President Trump’s warning to Prime Minister Netanyahu remains undisclosed, though the timing suggests a concerted effort to stabilise the region.