Key development: Iran fired missiles at Israel for the first time since April’s ceasefire, Israel hit back at Iranian military sites, then both sides announced they’re stopping—for now.
Military Operations
(Update) Iran says it’s halting strikes on Israel after both countries traded fire for the first time since the April truce. Hezbollah is still hitting Israel though, so the ceasefire remains shaky. (France24)
Context: Iran’s military command formally announced on June 8 it was stopping its operation against Israel. This came after Iran fired missiles at Israel Sunday night—the first Iranian bombardment since the fragile ceasefire took effect in early April—and Israel responded by striking Iranian military sites. Despite Trump’s calls for restraint, Netanyahu ordered the counterstrike. Hezbollah hasn’t stopped firing, which complicates things.
An oil tanker got attacked off the coast of Oman and Indian crew members had to be rescued. Details are sparse but it’s another reminder that shipping lanes around there are getting hit. (Al Jazeera) [UNCONFIRMED]
Context: The attack happened off Oman, but we don’t know yet who was behind it or how much damage the tanker sustained. Given the ongoing tension in the region and recent Strait of Hormuz closure, maritime attacks are becoming more frequent.
Sources: Al Jazeera
Diplomacy
(Update) Trump says a peace deal is in the “final throes” but warned Netanyahu he’s on his own if Israel keeps attacking. That’s the bluntest threat yet from the US. (Al Jazeera, Euronews)
Context: Trump made clear that if attacks continue after Iran and Israel paused their fighting, Netanyahu shouldn’t expect American backing. He also said bombing Iran further would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed for months and cost lives. At least 8 people were killed in Lebanon on Monday despite the supposed pause, showing the ceasefire is barely holding.
Sources: Al Jazeera | Euronews
International
France banned Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Smotrich from entering the country over his calls to annex the West Bank and “recolonise” Gaza. Five other countries sanctioned him too. (France24) [UNCONFIRMED]
Context: France, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway all slapped sanctions on Smotrich and dozens of other Israelis. Smotrich has been openly pushing for annexation of the occupied West Bank, new settlements there, and what he calls the “recolonisation” of Gaza. France called him out specifically for those positions.
Sources: France24
Economy
(Update) The EU just proposed new sanctions targeting Russian oil and its “shadow fleet” to avoid giving Moscow relief while oil prices are spiking. They’re delaying a price cap review. (Euronews)
Context: The EU formally proposed a sanctions package on Russian oil, the shadow fleet Moscow uses to evade restrictions, plus fisheries and soldiers. They’re specifically trying to delay a scheduled review of the Russian oil price cap—oil prices have surged since the Strait of Hormuz closed, and they don’t want to accidentally give Russia economic breathing room right now.
Sources: Euronews
What to watch: Whether the Iran-Israel pause actually holds or if Hezbollah’s continued strikes blow it up before Trump’s promised peace deal materializes.