By Monsurat Abisoye
The Iranian military has announced that the country will cease attacks on Israel after delivering what it described as a “painful response” to Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
The announcement was contained in a statement broadcast on national radio on Monday.
The development followed an exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel overnight and into Monday, marking the most serious escalation since a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran came into effect in April.
Iran reportedly launched missiles at Israel on Sunday evening, describing the action as a response to Israeli strikes on the Lebanese capital, Beirut. In retaliation, Israel carried out attacks on targets across Iran early on Monday, while Iranian strikes on Israel also continued during the same period.
The flare-up in hostilities is seen as a major setback to efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring an end to the conflict.
Trump had earlier on Monday called on both sides to “immediately stop ‘shooting’,” after reportedly urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate following Iranian strikes.
However, just hours later, Iran’s military leadership announced an unexpected end to its operations.
In its statement, the Islamic Republic said it had delivered a “painful response” to Israel in support of Lebanon
“Against this backdrop, the suspension of the armed forces’ operations is hereby announced,” the statement added.
