Israel strikes Iran despite Trump's call for restraint

Monday 08 June 2026 - 07:21

By: Dakir Madiha

Israel strikes Iran despite Trump's call for restraint

Israel launched air strikes against military targets in Iran early Monday, escalating tensions despite direct efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to prevent further confrontation. Explosions were reported in Tehran and Isfahan, marking Israel's first attacks on Iranian territory since the ceasefire reached on April 8. The operation came hours after Iranian missiles were fired toward northern Israel, reigniting fears of a broader regional conflict.

Trump had publicly stated that he was urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate. The U.S. president argued that diplomatic efforts with Tehran were nearing a breakthrough and warned that additional military action could jeopardize ongoing negotiations. During a phone conversation, Trump reportedly told Netanyahu that both sides had already demonstrated their strength and should avoid actions that could derail prospects for a political settlement.

Despite the appeal from Washington, Netanyahu convened senior security officials and moved forward with military planning. Israeli officials indicated that a response to Iranian missile attacks had always remained an option, even if the timing was uncertain. The strikes underscored Israel's determination to maintain military pressure on Iran following months of confrontation across multiple fronts in the Middle East.

The White House stressed that it had not authorized previous Israeli operations against Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut that contributed to the latest escalation. American officials maintained that Washington was not directly involved in those actions and continued to pursue diplomatic engagement with Tehran despite the deteriorating security environment.

Following the strikes, Trump insisted that negotiations with Iran would continue and dismissed suggestions that the attacks would undermine a potential agreement. He reiterated that the United States would pursue its diplomatic objectives regardless of Israeli military decisions. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards had previously warned that missile launches against Israel marked only the beginning of a sustained campaign, raising the possibility of further exchanges as the conflict enters a new and uncertain phase.