Iran halts military operations against Israel after Donald Trump says both sides moving toward ‘immediate ceasefire’

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Israel and Iran were “looking to do an immediate ceasefire,” as renewed fighting between the two countries raised fears of a wider regional war.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said “final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding,” though he warned that progress could be affected by “ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.”He also said, “The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a ‘Final Deal’ is reached. Things should move quickly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!.”The post came shortly after Trump urged both sides to halt hostilities, writing earlier, “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’”Soon after Trump’s remarks, Iran’s unified armed forces command announced an end to its current military operations against Israel, according to Iranian state-linked.The announcement followed a fresh exchange of fire between the two countries on Monday.Iran, however, warned of harsher responses if Israel continues attacks on Lebanon.On the other hand, Israel also halted strikes on Iran. The decision was taken at the request of Trump, according to a senior Israeli official cited by Channel 12.The official was also quoted as saying that if Hezbollah attacks on Israeli towns continue, Israel would respond with strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut.The Channel 12 report further added that Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon are expected to continue at full strength in the coming days.The latest escalation marks the first major exchange of fire since a ceasefire agreement reportedly struck two months ago began to unravel.Israel and Iran exchanged strikes across multiple cities, including reported explosions in Tehran, Tabriz, Karaj and Isfahan, while Israel carried out strikes on sites inside Iran, including a petrochemical facility.Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also claimed it had targeted Israeli military bases in response to Israeli strikes, while air raid sirens and interceptions were reported across Israel.The renewed hostilities have raised fears of a broader regional escalation, with Iran-aligned groups including the Houthis also signalling further attacks on Israeli-linked targets and Red Sea shipping routes, adding pressure on already strained maritime security corridors.