Trump warns Netanyahu: Attack Iran again, face isolation
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Washington: US President Donald Trump has warned that Israel risks international isolation if it launches fresh attacks on Iran, following a new round of hostilities that erupted despite a ceasefire that had been in place since April.
In an interview with Axios, Trump revealed that he personally urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt further military action after the latest escalation between Israel and Iran. The warning came after both sides indicated they were prepared to temporarily suspend the renewed confrontation.
The latest crisis began after a deadly Israeli airstrike on Beirut. Iran, which had previously linked any future agreement with Washington to an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, responded by launching missile strikes on northern Israel. While no casualties were reported in Israel, the confrontation quickly widened as Israel carried out ballistic missile attacks on Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz.
Although Israeli officials reportedly informed US counterparts about the operation, the White House was not directly notified in advance. The Israeli strikes were followed by another Iranian attack on Israel, further intensifying regional tensions.
The renewed conflict has complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran and added to pressure on Trump, who has faced criticism over the lack of a breakthrough with Iran nearly 100 days into the crisis. Israel also struck parts of Iran’s petrochemical infrastructure and sites in Tehran on Monday, prompting further Iranian retaliation.
Iranian officials later said military operations against Israel had been halted for now, but Tehran warned that any continuation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon would trigger a much harsher response.
The broader conflict has also rattled global energy markets. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the February escalation involving Israel and the US has contributed to rising oil prices, adding further pressure on the Trump administration.