Israel and Iran have resumed active hostilities for the first time since a ceasefire two months earlier, in an exchange of rocket fire that endangers efforts to resolve the conflict. Donald Trump, who initiated the war in February with Israel but later sought a mediator role, urged both sides to cease fire and stated that final peace negotiations were advancing. Attacks ended by late Monday afternoon. The regional rivals have long been adversaries. Questions remain over why fighting resumed and the status of wider peace talks. The war began when Trump launched operations on 28 February alongside Israeli forces. It quickly escalated beyond initial plans, triggering regional instability and global economic effects. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted energy supplies and raised costs for goods including food. Although senior Iranian leaders were killed early, replacements were named promptly. A ceasefire took effect on 8 April but does not permanently end hostilities. Unresolved matters include shipping access in the Gulf, limits on Israeli actions toward neighbors, oversight of Iran’s nuclear program, and sanctions relief for Tehran. Iran maintains its nuclear activities are for electricity only, yet other nations seek binding limits to block any atomic weapon development. Trump ended a prior nuclear agreement and has not finalized a replacement. Each side offers its account of renewed clashes, but the trigger was Israeli strikes on Beirut early Sunday. Iran had warned that such an attack would breach the ceasefire and prompt retaliation, which followed. Fighting has persisted in parts of the region. While the US, Israel and Iran halted mutual strikes in April, Israel continued operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which responded with drones and rockets. Hezbollah entered the conflict in March to support Iran. Israel has invaded Lebanon multiple times historically, and some Israeli groups advocate permanent territorial control. The campaign has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing over a million people and killing at least 3,613 in Lebanon. Hezbollah has killed at least 30 Israeli soldiers and three civilians. Iran wants Lebanon included in any broader deal, but Israel and the US have declined. Trump stated he does not require Lebanon’s inclusion. Lebanon and Israel have negotiated a separate ceasefire in Washington, yet it has limited effect because Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army, conducts attacks and has rejected the agreement. Lebanese authorities seek greater control in Hezbollah strongholds and eventual disarmament, while the group insists on retaining arms to deter Israeli threats.
