Israel, Iran exchange fire, threaten truce
Govt voices concern | Close shave for 24 Indian mariners as vessel attacked
Israel and Iran launched attacks against each other on Sunday night, marking a serious escalation between the two countries since a ceasefire was announced in April.
The Iranian military on Monday announced that it was halting its attacks against Israel. Iran’s statement came after US President Donald Trump said an “immediate” ceasefire between Tehran and Tel Aviv was in progress.
Elsewhere, 24 Indian mariners had a narrow escape when their vessel — MT Marivex — was hit by missiles around 1.30 pm on Monday. They were saved by Omani security agencies. “We are thankful to the Omani authorities for their swift response and rescue of all 24 crew members of Indian nationality on board MT Marivex, and for ensuring their safety,” the Indian Embassy in Oman posted on X. Earlier, the Israeli attacks came hours after Iran fired a wave of missiles towards northern Israel, accusing Tel Aviv of repeatedly violating the ceasefire through its ongoing military operations in Lebanon. Israel launched attacks across Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran, Tabriz, Karaj and Isfahan. On Monday, US President Donald Trump called on both sides to stop attacking each other.
“Israel and Iran must immediately stop shooting,” he said in a brief post on his Truth Social platform. A disagreement between the US and Israel seems to be brewing over how to handle talks with Iran.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump insisted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would ultimately have to accept any agreement negotiated between Washington and Tehran because the US President “calls the shots”.
“He won’t have any choice,” Trump told the Financial Times in a telephone interview. “I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn’t call the shots.”
Last night’s Israel-Iran attacks were the first direct Iranian missile attack on Israel since the Pakistan-brokered April 8 ceasefire was announced. It is also the first time Tehran has retaliated against Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which have been occurring near-daily since early March.
According to Israeli media outlet Haaretz, Iran has launched about 30 ballistic missiles since Sunday night. Missiles have also been launched from Yemen, with the Houthis claiming responsibility on Monday, while the Hezbollah has remained engaged in repelling Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon.
On Monday morning, Saudi Arabia’s civil defence issued an alert in Al-Kharj Governorate, warning residents of a potential security threat and urging people to seek shelter. However, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB later cited a military official denying reports that Iran had attacked the Al-Kharj airbase.
