PM called off major Iran strike after Trump warned Israel would be on its own — reports

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly called off a significant Israeli airstrike against Iran, which had fighter jets prepared on the runway, following a direct warning from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump instructed Netanyahu on Monday not to escalate Israel's conflict with the Islamic Republic, according to reports.

Instead of proceeding with the strike, Netanyahu announced a temporary halt to attacks on Iran "for now" in a brief national address. However, he issued a stern warning that Israel would retaliate against Iran and Hezbollah if attacked again. This statement came after a recent eruption of conflict between Israel and Iran, marking the first such exchange since a ceasefire in early April.

The escalation involved Hezbollah bombing northern Israel, followed by Israeli strikes on Beirut. Iran then fired missiles at northern Israel, and its Houthi proxy also launched missiles toward Israel on Monday. Israel responded with strikes against Iran.

According to Channel 12 and The New York Times, Trump reportedly spoke with Netanyahu multiple times over Sunday and Monday, urging an end to the renewed hostilities. A key call on Monday afternoon reportedly marked a turning point. Around 4:30 p.m., Netanyahu allegedly approved a major operation against Iran scheduled for later that day. However, shortly after, Trump contacted him, instructing him to halt the attacks to allow Washington to pursue a diplomatic deal to end the war. Netanyahu reportedly agreed, leading to confusion within the Israeli military command as aircraft were being prepared for takeoff.

While some Israeli officials described the conversation between the leaders as one of mutual understanding, other sources indicated it was effectively a directive from the U.S. president. Netanyahu's public statement on Monday evening defended Israel's strikes but confirmed the current cessation of hostilities, stating, "At present, the fire on this front has been halted, because after the terrorist regime in Tehran was struck, it stopped."

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After Iran attacked Israel, I directed the IDF to strike military and economic targets throughout Iran. At present, the fire on this front has been halted, because after the terrorist regime in Tehran was struck, it stopped