NEW DELHI: Iran and Israel have announced a temporary halt to direct military strikes against each other following their first major exchange of attacks since the fragile April ceasefire. The pause came after international diplomatic pressure and calls for restraint amid fears of a broader regional conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would hold fire for now but warned that any future attacks would be met with a strong response. Iranian military officials also declared a cessation of operations while cautioning that Tehran would retaliate more forcefully if Israel violated the truce or continued actions viewed as threatening Iran and its allies.

The latest escalation began after Iran launched missiles toward Israel in response to Israeli military actions linked to Lebanon. Israel subsequently carried out retaliatory strikes on Iranian targets, raising concerns that months of diplomatic efforts could collapse. Both sides have since stepped back from further attacks, although tensions remain high and the ceasefire is considered highly fragile.

Global leaders have urged both countries to maintain restraint, warning that renewed hostilities could destabilize the Middle East, disrupt energy markets, and jeopardize ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a broader peace agreement. Oil prices briefly surged during the exchange of strikes before stabilizing as reports of a pause emerged.