Iran’s military command said Monday that offensive operations against Israel were paused after Tehran launched a wave of ballistic missiles at the country in response to its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, leader of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command base, said its missile strikes were a “painful response” to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
He also warned that attacks could resume if Israel does not immediately stop its aggression in southern Lebanon.
“The cessation of armed forces operations is announced. However, it is emphasized that if the aggression and acts of malice continue, including in southern Lebanon, much more severe and crushing measures than before will be forthcoming,” Gen. Abdollahi said in a statement.
Fighting between Iran and Israel restarted Sunday following Israeli strikes near Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Iran has repeatedly warned over the past week that Israeli attacks near the city could provoke a response from Tehran.
Shortly after the Israeli strikes, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel. The Israeli military responded with attacks on western and southern Iran, including a strike on Mahshahr, Iran’s largest petrochemical complex.
Tehran warned separately on Monday that it could strike energy infrastructure across the region, much like it had done during the first phase of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
President Trump said Monday both sides were in discussions to produce a ceasefire, adding that only “ignorance or stupidity” could halt the process.
Continued fighting between Iran and Israel could derail efforts by the Trump administration to finalize a memorandum of understanding with Tehran to begin negotiations over its nuclear program and lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
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