Washington, DC — In a significant development in the regional confrontation, US President Donald Trump on Monday urged both Israel and Iran to immediately cease fire, asserting on his official Truth Social platform: "Israel and Iran must immediately stop firing."
President Trump said both countries are "looking to do an immediate ceasefire" after they exchanged fire over the weekend, marking the first direct attacks since the United States struck a ceasefire agreement two months ago.
"Final negotiations on peace are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way," — President Donald Trump, Truth Social
Trump added that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place until a "Final Deal" is reached.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Iranian Energy Facilities
This call for peace comes as Israel continues its military operations, announcing on Monday that it bombed a petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran. Israel also targeted military sites in other areas, despite reports that Trump had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from launching further attacks.
Israel confirmed it bombed targets at the Mahshahr petrochemical complex — the first strike on an Iranian energy site since the ceasefire began on April 8. A local official told the Fars News Agency that parts of the plant sustained damage.
Regional Tensions Persist
Tensions have remained high throughout the truce. Iran has continued its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and natural gas shipments, which has helped drive fuel prices higher worldwide. Israel has carried out strikes against Hezbollah, Iran's ally in Lebanon, and expanded its military operations there.
On Monday, Yemen's Houthi rebels — another Iranian ally — launched attacks toward Israel and warned they would target Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
Regional officials say Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and Qatar have urged the Trump administration to press Israel to curb its strikes on Iran and Beirut, while also encouraging Tehran to halt attacks on Israel. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the diplomatic efforts publicly.
One official involved in US-Iran mediation efforts said Pakistan-led negotiators were angered by Israel's strike on Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday, which came as Pakistan's interior minister was in Tehran seeking to advance negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Whether the latest ceasefire push succeeds will depend on whether all parties — including the Houthis and Hezbollah — can be brought to the table. For now, the region holds its breath as diplomats race to prevent further escalation.
