Iran halts strikes on Israel after Trump tells both sides to ‘stop shooting’

Iran has said its attacks on Israel have been halted after the two sides exchanged fire for the first time since the April truce, threatening to plunge the Middle East back into full-scale war.

Earlier, Donald Trump, whose call for restraint from Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu in response to the Iranian strikes appeared to have been ignored, urged both sides to “immediately stop shooting”.

Despite the renewed clashes, the US president insisted final negotiations on a peace deal were progressing “subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way”.

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer said he was “deeply concerned” about the latest outbreak of violence in the region which sent oil prices soaring.

Israel struck Iran after Tehran fired missiles towards Israel late on Sunday, which it said were in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said: “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting’.”

In a subsequent post, he added: “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 Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a ‘Final Deal’ is reached.”

Announcing an end to its offensive, Iran’s military joint command said it had “delivered a painful response” to Israel for its attacks on Lebanon.

But it warned further “aggression and hostile acts” would lead to “much more severe and crushing measures than before will follow”.

Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, which has been mediating in the conflict, has also called for restraint.

He wrote on X: “The recent surge in violence in the Middle East is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with a tenuous ceasefire and the unbearable consequences it may lead to.

“As we work earnestly and painstakingly, together with our brothers and partners, to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the conflict, and especially when the final objective is just about to be achieved, we sincerely urge all sides to exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance.

“Let us continue to remain on the path of peace and diplomacy which have bright prospects of success instead of violence and destruction!”