Netanyahu credits Trump with de-escalating Israel-Iran tensions: ‘I say this with appreciation and respect’ | Today’s news
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel had halted its attacks on Iran, signaling a pause in hostilities following the first direct firefight between the two countries since an April ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump publicly called on both sides to stop fighting amid fears renewed clashes could spark a wider regional conflict.
Netanyahu: “The fire has been stopped”
In his first public comments since the latest confrontation, Netanyahu indicated that active military operations against Iran had ended for the time being.
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Netanyahu announced that Israel had suspended its attacks on Iran, declaring, “Right now the fire has been stopped,” while emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense.
Netanyahu praised Trump for his role in de-escalating tensions and expressed appreciation for their discussions aimed at reducing hostility between Israel and Iran.
Trump has publicly called on both Israel and Iran to stop fighting and has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation of hostilities.
Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel will continue military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, even as it observes a ceasefire with Iran.
Trump warned Netanyahu that Israel may soon find itself isolated in its confrontation with Iran and advised caution in their military actions.
“Right now the fire has been stopped,” Netanyahu said.
However, the Israeli leader emphasized that Israel remains ready to defend itself if necessary.
“Israel has every right to self-defense, and we will exercise it to the fullest extent,” he said.
Netanyahu also acknowledged Trump’s involvement in efforts to de-escalate the situation.
“I say this with appreciation and respect in my good conversations with my friend President Trump,” he added.
Trump intervenes after renewed clashes between Israel and Iran
The comments followed a new round of hostilities between Israel and Iran, marking the first direct military exchange since a US-brokered ceasefire took effect in April.
Earlier on Monday, Trump called on both countries to immediately end the fighting.
According to AFP, the conversation took place at a time when Washington was trying to prevent the situation from escalating into a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Reports of growing tensions between Trump and Netanyahu
The latest phone call comes amid reports that tensions have emerged in the relationship between the two leaders, despite their close coordination during the conflict.
Recent media reports have suggested that Trump has privately expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the crisis. According to reports, the US president even called the Israeli leader a “madman” during a previous interview.
The differences reportedly stem from Trump’s efforts to preserve the ceasefire and pursue a broader diplomatic settlement, while Netanyahu continues to maintain a tough stance on Iran and Iranian-backed groups in the region.
Israel and Iran stopped attacks after a new firefight
Israel and Iran on Monday signaled a pause in their latest round of hostilities after exchanging fire for the first time since an April ceasefire, with both sides announcing an end to current military operations while warning they would retaliate if attacked again.
Iran halts offensive operations
Shortly after Trump’s call for restraint, Iran’s military announced it was ending its latest offensive operations against Israel.
According to a statement issued by Iran’s Joint Military Command, any future Israeli attacks would be met with a stronger response.
The statement warned that any further “aggression and hostile acts” by Israel or its allies, including actions in southern Lebanon, would lead to “much more severe and crushing measures than before”.
Iran fired missiles at Israel overnight, describing the attack as retaliation for Israeli attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The ceasefire remains fragile
Despite the apparent lull in fighting, both countries have made it clear that the situation remains highly volatile.
The exchange marked the first direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran since a US-brokered ceasefire took effect in April.
Diplomats have been trying to turn the ceasefire into a lasting peace deal for months, while tensions remain high across the region.
Iran continues to exert pressure around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while Israel maintains military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The latest violence briefly jolted global markets and renewed fears of disruptions to regional energy supplies.
Read also | US ambassador takes cover as Iran attacks petrochemical facility in Israel
