Israel Announces Airstrikes on Beirut; Trump Orders Halt

The U.S. president ordered Israel’s prime minister to halt airstrikes on Beirut that the latter had announced. The directive aimed to prevent disruption of ongoing negotiations with Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed for approaching 90 days. The closure has cut off a route that normally carries one-fifth of global oil and liquefied gas shipments. Energy shortages have appeared in parts of Asia and Europe. Officials in Washington have cited the risk of gasoline prices exceeding four dollars per gallon ahead of November midterm elections.

Reactions Reports described a phone conversation between the U.S. president and Israel’s prime minister that included strong language. After the call, the U.S. president posted on social media that talks with Iran were advancing. >"What the hell are you doing?

You’re fucking crazy. If it weren’t for me you’d be in prison. I’m saving your ass. " — Axios report on the call, June 2026 Israeli forces continued operations in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley after an earlier ceasefire covering Beirut. Iran responded by linking the Lebanese and broader ceasefires and pausing its own talks with the United States.

A study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that replenishing air-defense interceptors and precision-guided missiles would take years. Strategic fuel stocks have also declined faster than expected. The International Energy Agency had warned in mid-April that Europe had roughly six weeks of jet fuel remaining.

Seven weeks later, commercial flights continue and some costs have eased as refineries shifted output. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said a 60-day timetable for narrowing positions on issues such as Iran’s nuclear program is ambitious. He noted that a provisional arrangement could still reduce immediate risks compared with renewed escalation.