Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds After US Intervention As Trump Urges Both Sides To Stop Attacks

A fragile ceasefire appeared to take hold between Israel and Iran on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced that both countries had agreed to halt hostilities following a fresh round of missile strikes and retaliatory attacks that threatened to push the Middle East deeper into conflict.

Trump's intervention came after Iran and Israel exchanged attacks over the weekend, raising fears of a broader regional war. The US President publicly urged both sides to end military action immediately, claiming that discussions aimed at restoring peace were moving forward.

Trump Announces Ceasefire Amid Rising Tensions

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said both nations were willing to stop fighting and move towards a ceasefire arrangement.

"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."

Earlier, Trump had issued a more direct appeal, writing: "Israel and Iran must immediately stop 'shooting.'"

His remarks followed a dramatic escalation in violence. Iran launched missiles at Israel on June 7, marking its first direct bombardment since a ceasefire reached in April. Israel responded with airstrikes targeting sites in central and western Iran.

Military Exchanges Continue Before Fighting Pauses

Shortly after Trump's announcement, Iran's military said its latest wave of attacks on Tel Aviv had concluded. However, Tehran warned that it would resume military action if Israel continued operations linked to Lebanon.

Iran said its missile launches were a response to Israeli strikes on the outskirts of Beirut. Israel, meanwhile, justified its attacks on Iranian territory as retaliation for Tehran's missile barrage.

One of Israel's key targets was a petrochemical facility in southwestern Iran, which Israeli authorities alleged was involved in ballistic missile production. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it struck a comparable facility in Haifa.

The IRGC said it had "delivered a painful response" to Israel for attacks linked to Lebanon, including Sunday's strikes near Beirut.

Diplomatic Channels Remain Active Despite Distrust

As military tensions rose, diplomatic contacts continued behind the scenes. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly spoke twice within 24 hours, including a phone conversation shortly before Iran announced a suspension of its military operation.

According to reports, Trump had urged Netanyahu during an earlier call to avoid launching a major retaliatory strike against Iran. Neither leader publicly disclosed details of their latest conversation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signalled that diplomacy remained an option despite the hostilities.

"Our priority is national security and the peace of our people. We will defend the rights of the nation with authority and will not retreat in the face of any threat. Diplomacy and defense are the two wings of national power; we have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table. God willing, with unity and rationality, Iran will emerge triumphant from this trial as well."

At the same time, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said communications with Washington were continuing under conditions of "extreme suspicion." He accused Israel of attempting to derail diplomatic efforts and argued that the United States carried responsibility for actions affecting regional stability.

Regional and Global Concerns Persist

Despite the ceasefire announcement, uncertainty remains over whether the truce will endure. Officials on both sides had earlier suggested preparations for a prolonged conflict.

Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted a military source as saying Tehran was prepared for a long-term confrontation involving both Israel and US interests in the region. An Israeli official similarly indicated that the country was preparing for at least several more days of military operations if necessary.

The conflict also drew in Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement, which announced it would seek to disrupt Israeli-linked maritime activity in the Red Sea and claimed responsibility for missile launches toward Israel.

The renewed tensions have raised concerns over energy supplies and shipping routes across the region, particularly as key oil export corridors remain vulnerable to disruption.

Amid the uncertainty, India issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to both Iran and Israel and advising those already in the region to exercise extreme caution and leave using available transport options where possible.

While military activity has paused for now, the durability of the ceasefire remains uncertain as both sides continue to balance battlefield pressure with diplomatic negotiations.