Why did Israel and Iran trade fire, and how does it affect wider peace efforts?

The arch-enemies’ exchange had the potential to derail the push for an end to the broader Middle East conflict Middle East crisis – live updates Israel and Iran have returned to active war for the first time since a ceasefire was agreed two months ago in an exchange of rocket fire that threatened efforts to end the conflict. Donald Trump, who started the war in February alongside Israel but has since attempted to present himself as a mediator – told the two sides to stop shooting and said “final negotiations” on peace were proceeding. By late afternoon on Monday, the attacks had stopped.