‘You better be careful, Bibi’: Trump warned Netanyahu further strikes could isolate him in conflict with Iran
Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that further military strikes against Iran risked isolating Israel, urging restraint amid escalating tensions. Iran and Israel exchanged multiple rounds of strikes, including attacks on Iranian petrochemical sites and Tel Aviv, while Trump mediated ceasefire efforts and claimed Iran signaled willingness to halt attacks if Israel did the same.
Tensions between Israel and Iran reached a critical point over the past 24 hours, nearly drawing the U.S. into a wider Middle East conflict despite former President Donald Trump’s efforts to avoid deeper military involvement. About 100 days into the war, Trump has been pursuing a potential deal with Iran while attempting to curb escalation after Israel struck a Hezbollah-linked target in Beirut on Sunday. Iran responded with missile attacks toward Israel, defying earlier skepticism from Israeli officials who believed Tehran might not follow through. Trump spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening, warning him that continued strikes could leave Israel isolated. According to Axios, Trump told Netanyahu, ‘Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon.’ Despite Trump’s pleas, Netanyahu insisted that failing to respond to Iranian attacks would weaken Israel’s position, and Israeli officials later informed the U.S. they would proceed with further strikes. Israel targeted Iranian petrochemical infrastructure and sites in Tehran, prompting Iran to retaliate with another wave of missiles, including strikes toward Tel Aviv. While U.S. forces did not participate in the attacks, they assisted Israel in intercepting incoming missiles, according to U.S. defense officials. Trump claimed Iran had contacted his administration, stating it would stop further attacks if Israel did the same, and that regional leaders urged him to press Israel to halt its operations. After a second call with Netanyahu on Monday, Trump convinced him to pause planned strikes if Iran did not escalate further. Netanyahu instructed Israeli military commanders to cancel the planned attacks, though Trump maintained his belief that a deal with Iran could soon be reached to halt its nuclear program and uranium enrichment. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed Trump’s claims, stating there was no trust in the U.S. position and accusing Washington of inconsistent statements.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.