Israel Strikes Iran, Defying Trump's Warnings Amid Escalating Tensions

Israel's air force launched strikes against military targets within Iran overnight, proceeding despite explicit warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump. Israeli military officials stated the attacks focused on western and central areas of the country. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported that the strikes involved air-launched ballistic missiles, according to the state news agency Irna.

Explosions were heard in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and near the city of Karaj, approximately 40 kilometers outside the capital, sources reported. Earlier, President Trump had cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against jeopardizing ongoing peace talks between the U.S. and Iran through further military action. "I am in charge. I am absolutely in charge. He is not in charge," Trump told the Financial Times, asserting that Netanyahu would have no choice but to accept a future agreement.

Axios, citing a U.S. government official, reported that Trump had urged Netanyahu in a phone call on Sunday to refrain from further strikes, believing a favorable agreement was imminent. The U.S. president emphasized that the recent escalation would not impede negotiations. The Israeli offensive followed an Iranian rocket attack on Israel on Sunday, with the Revolutionary Guards claiming to have targeted the Ramat David airbase near Nazareth. The Israeli military confirmed these projectiles were intercepted.

Oil prices saw a significant increase following the latest escalation in the Middle East. Brent crude for August delivery rose to around $97 per barrel early Monday, a 4% jump from the previous week. The Middle East conflict had previously shaken the global oil market at the start of the year.

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I am in charge. I am absolutely in charge. He is not in charge.