Donald Trump on Sunday said that renewed hostilities and Iran's ballistic missile barrage will not derail ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran. Speaking to US media, the President asserted that he is calling "all the shots" and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have "no choice" but to accept whatever deal Washington negotiates with Tehran. He also urged Tehran to halt its missile attacks on Israel and return to the negotiating table.
On Monday morning, Israel carried out retaliatory strikes against Iran. Iranian state television reported explosions in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan, while Israel said its forces had targeted military sites in western and central Iran. The developments have further heightened tensions across the Middle East.
A US defense official reportedly said that American forces did not participate in the retaliatory airstrikes. By clarifying that the operation was unilateral, Washington has distanced itself from Israel's offensive to prevent further regional escalation and maintain a focus on diplomacy.
Also on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen after air-raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and several areas of central Israel. The Magen David Adom (MDA) national emergency service reported no injuries resulting from the attack or from falling missile debris.
