US President Donald Trump has called on Israel and Iran to immediately halt the renewed fighting between them.

Posting on his Truth Social Monday, Trump said, “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting'”.

In a separate post, he added, “Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way. The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a ‘Final Deal’ is reached. Things should move quickly.”

This comes as Iran and Israel have resumed strikes after Tehran targeted Tel Aviv in retaliation for the alleged targeting of the southern suburbs of Beirut. The strikes marked a new phase in the escalating conflict, coinciding with the 100th day since the outbreak of war and following renewed hopes for an imminent agreement.

Meanwhile, Iran has blamed the United States for the renewed military operations with Israel.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismaeil Baghaei said, “No one believes that the Zionist entity can act in the region without full coordination with America,” adding, “the US is behind everything that is happening, and it is America that is leading to renewed tensions.”

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, he said, “Washington is clearly violating the ceasefire,” adding, “We were committed to the ceasefire, and they are the ones violating it. We are prepared to defend the country’s security and interests.”

He pointed out that diplomacy and military action are proceeding simultaneously to secure the country’s highest interests.

Baghaei said, “America and the Zionist entity were the main factors in the emergence of tensions, and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency did not condemn them.”

He emphasized that ending the war in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, and as that clause is violated, the diplomatic track is also affected.

He added, “The Zionist entity cannot respect any diplomatic path that leads to stability in our region. Diplomatic efforts and military actions aim to secure our national interests, and we will utilize both tracks in line with the circumstances.”

He continued, “We have been exchanging messages with the United States in an atmosphere of extreme mistrust, and the contradictory American policies and positions have thus far disrupted the diplomatic process,” noting that the Pakistani negotiator confirmed that the ceasefire in Lebanon was part of the agreement with the United States.

He stressed that what has happened in the past 24 hours will only exacerbate the already turbulent situation in the diplomatic process.

He added, “The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency is adopting a biased and non-technical stance toward our nuclear program and insists on his unconstructive approach.” (EIR/AFP)