Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, 

Direct attacks between Iran and Israel have paused following a weekend exchange of strikes, easing fears of an immediate regional escalation.

However, tensions remain high as Israel continues military operations in Lebanon, Tehran warns it could resume attacks if hostilities persist and diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue through regional mediation.

Here are the latest updates: 

Iran and Israel halted direct military attacks after several days of exchanges, though both sides warned the pause could be temporary.

President Donald Trump reportedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against further escalation, saying Israel could find itself isolated if fighting expands.

Iran's military ordered a halt to attacks on Israel but warned that any renewed aggression, particularly in Lebanon, would trigger a stronger response.

Israeli forces continued air strikes across southern Lebanon, with at least a dozen people reported killed, including a woman and a child.

Lebanon's death toll from Israeli attacks since March rose to 3,637, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Tehran said negotiations with the United States are progressing through Pakistani mediation, while Vice President JD Vance said Washington remains in a strong negotiating position.

Trump said Israel and Iran have “called it quits” for now and predicted the United States would declare “complete victory” over Iran within two weeks.

The US military said it disabled another tanker bound for an Iranian port, bringing the total number of vessels targeted under the blockade to seven.

Hezbollah claimed 16 attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon as clashes continued despite international calls for de-escalation.

Israel said strikes on Iran focused heavily on air-defence infrastructure, while Iranian officials maintained that the country would not yield to pressure.

Oil prices edged higher despite the pause in direct hostilities, reflecting continued concerns over regional stability and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.