The Korea Times

Israel and Iran trade strikes, threatening to drag region back into full-scale war

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Israel and Iran traded fire Monday in their first attacks since the U.S. agreed to a ceasefire with Tehran two months ago. The Iranian military said hours later that it was halting offensive strikes, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would retaliate against further attacks. In a videotaped statement, Netanyahu implied that the current round of fighting was over. But he also warned that if Iran "makes the mistake and returns to attacking us, we will respond with force.” The renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran raised concerns that the Middle East could be plunged back into a full-scale war. Since the U.S. and Israel began striking Iran on Feb. 28, the war has shaken the global economy, driven energy prices up around the world and made many basics, including food, more expensive. Officials have been unable to turn the April ceasefire into a deal to permanently end the conflict. During the truce, Iran has maintained its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial passage for the world’s oil and natural gas wh

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