President Donald Trump wants Israel and Iran to stop launching strikes at each other “immediately.”
Iran called it a warning as it struck Israel after Israel attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In response, Israel targeted the Mahshahr petrochemical complex in Iran and also announced a broader operation against Iranian air defense systems.
The operation marked the first of its kind since the April ceasefire started and happened in apparent defiance of a prior warning against it by Trump. Iran launched a further barrage of missiles against Israel Monday morning.
Trump went on Truth Social, writing, “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’ President DONALD J. TRUMP”
In another separate post, Trump wrote, “Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on “Peace” are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way. The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a “Final Deal” is reached. Things should move quickly. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Israel’s attacks happened shortly after Trump reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop any further attacks as he tries to reach a deal with with Tehran.
Axios reported Trump told the Netanyahu, “We are close to doing something good in terms of a deal.”
Trump was adamant the violence would not curtail negotiations with Iran, telling the “Financial Times,” “It’s not going to have any impact on the deal.”
“I call the shots. I call all the shots. He [Netanyahu] doesn’t call the shots,” Trump said.
