DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Israel and Iran exchanged missile and air strikes Monday in their first major attacks since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire two months ago, raising fears that the Middle East could return to full-scale war.
Iran later said it was stopping offensive operations for now, while the U.S. reportedly told Tehran that Israel would also pause attacks if Iran stopped firing missiles.
The latest violence comes after months of fighting that have hurt the global economy and pushed up energy and food prices worldwide. Iran has continued to control the Strait of Hormuz, an important oil shipping route, while Israel has kept attacking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump called on both sides to stop “shooting” as diplomats from several countries worked to save the ceasefire.
Iran launched missiles toward Israel, while Israel carried out strikes on military and industrial targets inside Iran. Explosions were reported in both countries, and several people were injured.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels also claimed an attack on Israel and warned they could target ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea, increasing concerns that the conflict could spread further across the region.
