Tensions in the Middle East are escalating after Iran struck the Israeli homeland with ballistic missiles for the first time since the April ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump stepped in to mediate, asking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "show restraint" in a phone call while also sending a message to Iran to halt its attacks. However, Israel said it struck Iranian military targets within hours of Iran's assault, keeping the situation on a knife's edge.
Axios reported Saturday, citing a senior U.S. official and Israeli sources, that Trump called Netanyahu that day and asked him not to retaliate against Iran's missile attack, saying, "A deal is getting closer, so please show restraint." Trump was also said to have asked Iran for more time for diplomacy.
Netanyahu pushed back but "effectively agreed," the official said. Axios reported that "unlike the tense call between the two leaders last week, this call had a calm atmosphere, and Trump did not raise his voice." Trump also called on Iran to exercise restraint. In an interview with Fox News, he said, "What I want to propose to Iran is that they've fired enough missiles, so come back to the negotiating table and reach a deal."
"Trump bought a little time. He strongly believes he is close to a deal with Iran, and he does not see an Israeli attack as imminent," a U.S. official said. "The president has dragged this situation out for three months, and he thinks it's now time to end it."
But contrary to U.S. hopes, Israel immediately launched retaliation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Sunday that "within hours of Iran firing missiles toward northern Israel, the Israeli Air Force struck military targets in western and central Iran." According to local media, explosions were heard in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan in Iran.
Earlier, Israeli public broadcaster Kan also reported that Israel had not abandoned a counterstrike, saying that "in light of Trump's opposition, Israel is considering delaying the timing of its response to a few days later rather than this evening."
