Iran and Israel Exchange Strikes, Breaking April Truce

Iran and Israel exchanged strikes in the first reported breach of a ceasefire that began April 8. The attacks ended a period of relative calm and raised questions about whether the truce can hold. Oil prices rose and equity markets fell after the news spread.

24 reported that the strikes marked the first direct exchange between the two countries since the truce took effect. The New York Times said the incidents cast doubt on the durability of the fragile agreement. Talks between the U.S. and Iran remain stalled.

Crude benchmarks climbed on concerns that supplies could be disrupted. Equity indexes declined as investors moved into safer assets.

President Donald Trump called for restraint and asked Iran to return to the negotiating table. France 24 noted that the appeal came as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran showed no progress.