Trump Halts Israeli Strike on Tehran, Citing Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

A planned major Israeli military operation against Tehran was called off following direct intervention by US President Donald Trump, who urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause further retaliation against Iran, according to reports citing Israeli and American officials familiar with the matter.

The intervention produced immediate results, with Netanyahu subsequently announcing a temporary halt to Israeli strikes targeting Iran. The presidential directive marked the second conversation between the two leaders within hours, as Trump had previously urged the Israeli Prime Minister to refrain from launching attacks in response to Iranian missile strikes directed at Israel.

During their initial exchange on Sunday evening, US time, Netanyahu objected to the restraint being requested, maintaining that Israel needed to answer Iran's military actions. Trump countered by emphasizing the importance of a measured response and preventing further escalation of the conflict.

Despite these discussions, Israel proceeded with military operations inside Iranian territory, striking multiple installations including a significant petrochemical complex.

Trump emphasized during both conversations that diplomatic channels with Iran had progressed substantially and were approaching a breakthrough, cautioning that renewed military hostilities could undermine the emerging diplomatic progress.

The recent tone of discussions between Washington and Jerusalem differed markedly from the tense exchanges that occurred the previous week, when the two sides had clashed sharply over strategy.

Meanwhile, Tehran announced it was suspending its military campaign against Israel but signaled it would renew operations should Israeli bombardment of Lebanon intensify.

Israeli sources indicated that Tel Aviv would comply with the American request to cease strikes on Iran, though military operations in southern Lebanon would continue. One source characterized the current state of affairs as "very fragile," given Iranian warnings that attacks on Lebanon could prompt a resumption of strikes against Israel.