The latest military activity has threatened to complicate negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Iran said on Monday that it has suspended military operations against Israel following a weekend exchange of missile strikes, but warned that any further Israeli attacks—including ongoing operations in southern Lebanon—would trigger a more severe response.
The statement, carried by Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim news agency, appeared to signal an effort by Tehran to de-escalate tensions after the most direct exchange of fire between the two countries since a fragile ceasefire took effect at the beginning of April, bringing most of the fighting to a halt.
“The powerful Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in support of the oppressed people of Lebanon, delivered a painful response to this regime (Israel),” the Iranian military said.
“Should the aggressions and hostile acts continue—including in southern Lebanon—far more severe and crushing measures than before will be forthcoming.”
The warning came after Israel launched fresh strikes inside Iran on June 8, targeting military and infrastructure sites, while Iranian forces fired additional missiles toward Israel.
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen also launched a missile toward Israel and announced what they described as a complete ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
The escalation followed Israeli airstrikes in Beirut over the weekend that Israel said targeted Hezbollah command facilities in the Dahiyeh district in response to rocket fire from Lebanon.
Iran had previously warned that an attack on Beirut could reignite a broader regional war.
Ceasefire Signals Amid Continued Fighting
Iran’s announcement came as U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that both sides were moving toward a ceasefire despite the renewed violence.
“Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday.
“Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.”
Earlier in the day, Trump had urged both countries to immediately stop “shooting” after Israel and Iran exchanged missile attacks.
The president also said a U.S.-led blockade targeting Iran would remain in place until a final peace deal has been struck.
By Tom Ozimek
