The renewed violence began after Iran launched missiles toward northern Israel. In response, Israel carried out air strikes on military targets in western and central Iran, with the Israeli military saying dozens of fighter jets took part in the operation.
The exchange marks a significant setback for diplomatic efforts aimed at containing tensions in the Middle East.
Just a day earlier, reports suggested Trump had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iranian actions.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said both sides needed to stop “shooting” immediately, signaling growing concern in Washington that the situation could spiral further out of control.
Iran described its missile launches as the start of “a full week of continuous strikes,” linking the attacks to Israeli air raids carried out Sunday in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Israel said its strikes in Lebanon targeted Hezbollah positions after the Iran-backed group fired rockets into northern Israel.
Hezbollah later claimed responsibility for a retaliatory rocket barrage against Israeli troops and military vehicles in southern Lebanon, saying the attack was a response to what it called Israeli violations of the ceasefire.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on Hezbollah’s latest claims, and there was no immediate information on casualties or damage.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also weighed in on the crisis, saying he was “deeply concerned” by the return of violence and urging all parties to return to the ceasefire.
Speaking after an event at London Tech Week, Starmer said the conflict was having far-reaching consequences beyond the region.
“There are serious negotiations under way toward a lasting peace,” he said. “All parties have a responsibility to get back to that ceasefire.”
The renewed fighting comes as the Middle East faces mounting instability on multiple fronts, including the ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, Hezbollah and other regional actors.
BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen said the region remains in a state of profound uncertainty, warning that there is currently little indication that tensions are easing.
With diplomatic efforts under strain and military exchanges intensifying, concerns are growing that the latest escalation could undermine attempts to restore stability and reopen a path toward broader peace negotiations.
