Iran declares end of military operations against Israel, warns Lebanon strikes could trigger escalation

Iran’s military has stopped launching strikes against Israel, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which told CNBC on Monday that Tehran is currently not carrying out attacks. However, Iranian officials warned that hostilities could resume if the Israel Defense Forces continue operations in Lebanon, signaling that the ceasefire remains highly fragile and dependent on developments on the ground.

The escalation came after Iran and Israel exchanged strikes on Sunday night, marking the first direct military confrontation between the two sides since a ceasefire was agreed in April. Iran launched missiles toward northern Israel in response to what it described as repeated Israeli violations of the truce. Tehran said those violations included ongoing strikes in Lebanon, particularly an attack on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday.

The renewed violence has raised fears that the conflict could widen beyond the original ceasefire framework and draw in additional regional flashpoints. Lebanon has emerged as a central pressure point in the latest round of tensions, with Iran accusing Israel of using strikes there to undermine the agreement. Israel has not immediately indicated any change in its military posture following the exchange.

U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations would continue despite the breakdown in calm, suggesting that both sides remain interested in a rapid ceasefire agreement. In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump said Israel and Iran were both looking to achieve an immediate ceasefire and that final negotiations on peace were moving forward. He added that the blockade would remain in place until a final deal is reached and said developments could move quickly.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomacy and military action unfolding at the same time. The ceasefire announced in April now appears under significant strain, as both countries accuse each other of violating its terms. Iran’s warning that it could resume strikes if Israeli operations in Lebanon continue underscores the risk that any further escalation could quickly undo the fragile pause in hostilities.

For markets and regional security, the developments add another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile Middle East landscape. Investors and governments are watching closely for signs of whether the latest exchange will remain limited or trigger a broader conflict involving additional fronts. The coming hours and days may prove critical in determining whether ceasefire talks can stabilize the situation or whether military pressure will overwhelm diplomatic efforts.

This is a breaking news situation, and officials have indicated that the outlook could change quickly as negotiations continue and military activity in the region remains active.