Iran Military Says It Will Halt Strikes On Israel, Warns Of “More Severe” Response Over Lebanon Attacks

Iran Military Says It Will Halt Strikes on Israel, Warns of “More Severe” Response Over Lebanon Attacks Iran’s military has announced that it will halt its current strikes against Israel but issued a strong warning that it would launch a “more severe” response if Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue. The statement comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, following weeks of escalating cross-border attacks involving Iran, Israel, and allied armed groups in the region. According to Iranian military officials, the decision to stop direct strikes on Israel is intended to de-escalate the immediate exchange of fire. However, they stressed that the pause should not be interpreted as a ceasefire or a shift in Iran’s broader military posture. The Iranian armed forces warned that continued Israeli operations in Lebanon where strikes against Hezbollah-linked targets have intensified would be treated as a red line and could trigger a significantly stronger retaliation. The development follows a series of tit-for-tat military actions, including Iranian missile launches toward Israel and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian linked facilities, as well as ongoing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions. Regional tensions have also been fuelled by the wider conflict dynamic involving Lebanon, where Israeli strikes and Hezbollah attacks have continued despite earlier attempts at limited ceasefires brokered through international mediation. Diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation remain fragile, with global powers urging restraint to prevent the conflict from expanding further across the region. Analysts say Iran’s latest statement reflects a dual strategy: signalling temporary restraint toward Israel while maintaining pressure over developments in Lebanon, which Tehran views as a key front in the ongoing regional conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with the risk of renewed escalation if strikes in Lebanon persist or if either side perceives a breakdown in deterrence.