Iran's regional gambit and the fragile ceasefire
Trump's warning to Netanyahu halts escalation, but Houthi threats and disrupted communications suggest the crisis is far from over.
Iran's regional gambit and the fragile ceasefire — Iran launched ballistic missile strikes on Israel Sunday night, a move analysts at *The Jerusalem Post* frame as a strategic bid to regain regional influence after recent losses.[^1] The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' response appeared rapid, raising questions about coordination.[^1] Communication lines between Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other Iranian officials have been disrupted since Sunday night, according to an anti-regime outlet.[^2] Meanwhile, the Houthis announced a ban on ships linked to Israel from transiting the Red Sea on Monday, and fired two missiles at Israel—one intercepted, one falling short.[^3] *The Times of Israel* notes this could worsen oil market disruptions, especially after Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.[^3] Trump's warning to Netanyahu—that Israel would be 'alone very soon'—halted further Israeli strikes, according to *Maariv*.[^4] *Ynet* and *Haaretz* emphasize Trump compelled Netanyahu, while *Vesti* and *Walla* frame it as fulfilling a request.[^5] The ceasefire does not cover Lebanon, where fighting with Hezbollah continues.[^5] Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi argued that lasting peace cannot be achieved while the current regime remains in power.[^6] Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced the resumption of air traffic after the completion of 'military operations' against Israel. IDF strikes on three fronts as Home Front Command eases restrictions — Hezbollah launched three rockets at IDF posts in northern Israel within an hour of Iran signaling a conditional ceasefire, according to reports.[^1] The salvo came after Lebanese media said the IDF struck targets in southern Lebanon. Hours earlier, the IDF issued an Arabic-language evacuation warning for the Zkak al-Mafdi area near Tyre.[^2] The strikes and counter-strikes illustrate the fragile, calibrated violence that now defines the northern front. A military source described last night's Israeli strikes on Iran and Dahieh as "pinpoint and symbolic," intended to signal that Israel is determined to prevent Iran from rebuilding its air defenses. Meanwhile, the Home Front Command announced that starting tomo