Trump tells Netanyahu to hold off Iran retaliation
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- President Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a June 5 call not to retaliate against Iran's missile attack, urging more time for diplomacy.
- Iran launched the missile attack as a response to an Israeli strike in Beirut earlier that Sunday.
- Trump warned that the United States is close to securing a deal with Iran, and that an Israeli strike could jeopardize that potential agreement.
- Netanyahu initially pushed back but ultimately agreed to stand down, according to a senior U.S. official.
- The Trump administration did not give a green light to the Israeli strike in Beirut, per the senior official.
- Trump emphasized his authority, saying “I call the shots. He doesn’t call the shots,” and asserted that Netanyahu must accept any U.S.-brokered deal with Iran.
- The call was calmer than a previous tense exchange on June 1, with Trump not raising his voice.
Why it matters: Trump's direct admonition to Netanyahu delays an Israeli retaliation, preserving the fragile diplomatic window for a potential US‑Iran deal. By asserting his authority and emphasizing that Israel must accept any US‑brokered agreement, the administration safeguards its negotiation strategy while limiting Israel's immediate military options.
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