Netanyahu declares pause in strikes, warns Israel will strike Iran if attacked again
Tel Aviv, June 8
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that Israel has halted its military strikes against Iran, marking a tense pause following a day of direct, high-intensity confrontation.
Within less than 24 hours, the region saw missile barrages, retaliatory airstrikes, and the involvement of regional proxies, forcing world powers to scramble to prevent a broader regional war.
While stopping short of declaring a formal ceasefire, Netanyahu emphasised that the military response concluded after Tehran ceased its own missile barrages on Israeli territory.
In his first public remarks since the exchange of fire, the Israeli Prime Minister issued a stern warning to the leadership in Tehran. "At the moment, the fire has ceased, because after we struck the terror regime in Tehran, it stopped attacking us. If the terror regime in Iran makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with force," Netanyahu stated.
Netanyahu specifically rejected Tehran's efforts to establish a "new equation" linking military operations in Lebanon to attacks against Israel. "They thought they could fire at Israel from Lebanese and Iranian territory, and that we would not respond... That did not happen, and it will not happen. Not on my watch," he asserted.
According to Netanyahu, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah sought to establish a "new equation" under which Israeli military operations in Lebanon would trigger retaliation from Iran.
His remarks came hours after Iran announced that it was suspending military operations against Israel, while warning that the pause remained conditional.
According to Tasnim News Agency, Iran's military said its recent attacks were carried out in support of Lebanon and in response to Israeli military actions.
"The powerful Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in support of the oppressed people of Lebanon, delivered a painful response to this regime (Israel)," Iran's military said in a statement cited by Tasnim.
However, Tehran warned that it was prepared to resume military action if Israel continued its operations, particularly in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces remain active against Hezbollah positions.
"Should the aggressions and hostile acts continue - including in southern Lebanon - far more severe and crushing measures than before will be forthcoming," the statement said.
Earlier, according to CNN, Israel had agreed to a request from the US President Donald Trump's administration to halt strikes on Iran, but it will continue military operations in southern Lebanon, according to two Israeli sources cited by CNN.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday asserted that Tehran remains committed to both defending its national interests and pursuing diplomatic engagement, emphasising that the country will not back down in the face of threats while also keeping the door open to negotiations.
In a post on X, the Iranian president stressed that military preparedness and diplomacy are complementary pillars of national strength, rejecting suggestions that Tehran has chosen one path over the other. He said, "Diplomacy and defense are the two wings of national power; we have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table."
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump stated that both Iran and Israel are looking to implement an "immediate ceasefire" following an escalation of hostilities involving intense rounds of attacks and counterattacks between the two sides after Tel Aviv launched strikes on Tehran.
Trump added that the final negotiations on a peace deal aimed at achieving a complete solution to the West Asia conflict are currently underway. However, he cautioned that "ignorance or stupidity" could derail efforts to reach a final agreement.
"Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate ceasefire! Final negotiations on "Peace" are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way," Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.
The US President also noted that Washington's blockage of Iran will continue until a deal is reached, noting that the deal is moving "quickly."
"The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a 'Final Deal' is reached. Things should move quickly," the post added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Reading this from Bengaluru, and honestly, it's scary how fast things escalated. One day it's Lebanon, next day it's direct strikes on Iran. And now Trump says "ignorance could derail peace" — classic pot calling kettle black, no? 😅 India must ensure our diaspora in West Asia is safe. Our foreign ministry should be working overtime.
Both sides are playing dangerous games. Netanyahu says "not on my watch" and Iran talks about "more severe measures." As an Indian, I'm reminded of our own Kargil experience — when you have nuclear powers threatening each other, miscalculations can happen. The US is trying to broker a deal, but Iran's president saying "diplomacy and defense are two wings" sounds like they want to keep all options open. Risky business.
As an Indian living in the Gulf, this is giving me sleepless nights. The article says Israel agreed to halt strikes but continues in Lebanon — that doesn't sound like peace to me. Iran says they'll resume if operations continue. Meanwhile, Trump is tweeting about deals. Honestly, India should host a peace summit since we have good ties with both sides. Just saying 🇮🇳
Typical Western media framing — Israel "responds" while Iran "attacks." But look at the facts: Iran says it acted in support of Lebanon, and Israel is still bombing southern Lebanon. As an Indian, I can see the parallels with how our actions in Kashmir are portrayed vs how others are covered. That said, this is a dangerous game — hope our government is working behind the scenes for peace. Our energy security depends on it.
K Kavya N