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Iran announces end of military operations against Israel, warns of harsher attacks if strikes continue in Lebanon
Iran said it would resume attacks if Israel keeps striking Lebanon, as oil prices rose more than 5% on fears of a wider war.
On Monday, the Iranian military command announced it halted offensive operations against Israel after reciprocal missile exchanges, warning that further "aggression and hostile acts," including in southern Lebanon, would trigger "much more severe and crushing measures."
This escalation follows Israeli strikes on Beirut targets that occurred despite U.S. President Donald Trump's requests that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoid such actions, prompting Iran to characterize its response as "painful."
Iran launched nearly 30 ballistic missiles toward Israel since Sunday night, driving global oil prices up around 4% to $97 a barrel amid concerns over shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump demanded an immediate ceasefire Monday, stating "final negotiations" toward peace are proceeding, while declaring that Netanyahu "doesn't call the shots" regarding any deal.
European Union diplomat Kaja Kallas urged both sides to "sit down to a negotiation table and agree," warning that "the region does not need an escalation" if diplomatic efforts are to succeed.
The hostilities between Iran and Israel ceased on Monday, after the first time since the truce concluded two months ago, each camp threatening to retaliate in the event of another attack.