Iran Fires Missiles at Israel; Israel Strikes Iranian Petrochemical Site

Israel and Iran said Monday evening they would stop attacking each other after trading strikes over the weekend. The Israeli military struck Iranian air defense sites and a petrochemical complex. Iran fired roughly two dozen missiles at Israel.

Israeli officials stated they decided to halt operations after dealing a heavy blow to Iran. Iranian officials said they would stop but reserved the right to resume if Israel continues targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. The U.S. president posted that both sides are seeking an immediate ceasefire and that final negotiations on peace are proceeding.

“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…" The president added that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place until a final deal is reached.”

The latest round began when Israel bombed Beirut on Sunday. Iran responded with missiles, and Israel fired back. Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, said they launched a missile at Israel and declared a ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea. U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker attempting to reach Iran, the seventh such vessel since the blockade began in April.

Ongoing Risks The U.S.

Embassy in Jerusalem ordered American government employees and their families to shelter in place due to security alerts. Iranian officials said diplomacy remains a priority alongside defense. European allies plan to seek U.S. approval next week for a mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz.