Trump to call Netanyahu to halt Iran retaliation
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- Trump told Axios he will call Netanyahu to press Israel not to retaliate for Iran's missile attack, saying 'each of them had their fun' and that further escalation must stop
- Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking its first direct attack since the April 8 ceasefire
- Israel intercepted the Iranian missiles and continues striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut, with IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stating the regime made a 'grave mistake'
- Trump downplayed the impact of Iran's strikes, claiming they 'didn't hurt anybody,' and emphasized that a final deal with Iran is near and must not be derailed
- A U.S. official confirmed to Axios that Trump spoke with Netanyahu, though it remains unclear whether Trump will direct the U.S. military to withhold support like air refueling for any Israeli counterstrike
- The Israel Defense Forces chief of staff is actively approving military plans for potential retaliation, signaling Israel may act independently despite U.S. pressure
Why it matters: Trump’s direct intervention tests his lingering influence over Israeli decision-making without holding office, while Israel’s military planning continues apace—putting U.S.-Israel coordination at risk if Washington denies logistical support for a strike. A unilateral Israeli attack could collapse nascent U.S.-Iran negotiations Trump claims are near completion.
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