U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday called on Iran and Israel to immediately cease hostilities after a fresh exchange of air and missile attacks heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
“Israel and Iran must immediately stop shooting,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, as both sides traded strikes despite international efforts to prevent further escalation.
Earlier in the day, an Israeli airstrike reportedly targeted a petrochemical facility in southwestern Iran, causing partial damage to the complex, according to Iranian officials. At the same time, air raid sirens sounded across several Israeli cities after Iran launched a new round of missiles toward Israeli territory.
The latest exchange comes amid rising regional tensions that have drawn concern from world powers. Washington has continued to support Israel’s security while also urging restraint and emphasizing the importance of diplomacy to prevent a wider war.
The conflict has also coincided with renewed threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement, which recently warned that Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea could be targeted. The group has claimed responsibility for missile launches toward Israel and has vowed to continue operations in support of its regional allies.
The Red Sea has become a major flashpoint over the past year, with Houthi attacks disrupting international shipping routes and forcing many commercial vessels to avoid the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. Maritime security officials have warned that further escalation could affect global trade and energy supplies.
Regional tensions have remained high since Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian targets earlier this year triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran. Although a temporary ceasefire was reached in April, negotiations later stalled amid disagreements over implementation and continued military activity across the region.
