ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian armed forces on Monday announced the suspension of attacks on Israel after US President Donald Trump called on both sides to halt the latest wave of strikes.
"A painful response was given to the regime, and the suspension of armed forces operations is announced," Iran's Khatam al-Anbya headquarters, the military command of Iran's armed forces, said in a statement.
However, it warned that "if aggressions and crimes continue, including in southern Lebanon, much harsher and more crushing measures than before will follow."
Trump said on Monday that Iran and Israel are seeking an "immediate CEASEFIRE" after the two countries exchanged fire for the first time since a truce took effect following the six-week war.
“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,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
“The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a ‘Final Deal’ is reached,” Trump added, saying, “Things should move quickly.”
The latest exchange marks the first direct confrontation between the two countries since a ceasefire was announced on April 8 following weeks of regional conflict that began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces reported multiple incoming missile launches from Iran on Monday, while Iranian state media confirmed explosions in several cities following Israeli strikes, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz.
Iranian media also reported that the Karun Petrochemical Company in the southwestern city of Mahshahr, in Khuzestan province, was hit in an Israeli attack.
Updated at 3:10 pm
