Global Tensions Flare in Middle East
A fragile 60-day ceasefire collapsed into dramatic retaliation on June 8, 2026, as Israel launched airstrikes across western and central Iran, defying direct pleas for caution from Washington. The military action followed a Sunday barrage of 11 Iranian missiles fired toward Israel, which were launched after an Israeli raid in Beirut targeted an Iran-backed Hezbollah command centre.
The escalating crossfire directly challenged U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to finalise a peace deal. In a phone interview with Axios reporter Barak Ravid, Trump expressed his frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating:
“I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one.”
Despite the warning, explosions rattled three Iranian cities, including Tehran. While Israel defended the strikes as an essential response to a “grave mistake,” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a severe counter-warning regarding U.S. and Israeli assets in the region:
“Tonight’s operation was a warning. If such aggressions are repeated, the responses will be broader and will cover all US-Zionist targets.”
As the conflict hits its 100th day, the renewed hostilities have abruptly forced the closure of regional airspace and sent global crude oil prices surging.
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