California Today

Israel and Iran Trade Strikes, Threatening to Drag the Middle East Back into Full-Scale War

08 June 2026 04:35

Israel and Iran exchanged fire early Monday, their first direct attacks since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire two months ago, raising fears of a return to full-scale war. The conflict has shaken the global economy and driven up energy prices.

- Iran launched waves of attacks on Israel; Israel struck central and western Iran. - Yemen's Houthi rebels joined the fight, targeting Israel and threatening Red Sea shipping.

- Diplomats from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Qatar urged the U.S. to pressure Israel and Iran to de-escalate.

- Tensions grow between U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the direction of the conflict.

The risk of a full-scale war erupting again is higher than at any point since the ceasefire, as peace talks stall and hostilities resume.

Tags

Athenspoliticseconomywarenergy