President Donald Trump has pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt further escalation between Iran and Israel. However, the recent developments have exposed fractures in U.S.-Israeli relations over Lebanon, and the uncertainty surrounding peace negotiations remains significant amid U.S. maritime blockades and Iranian pressure on shipping routes.
In an interview with Axios on June 8, Trump revealed he told Netanyahu, "'Bibi, you should be careful. Otherwise, you will be left alone very soon.'" 'Bibi' is Netanyahu's nickname. Trump noted that he received calls from five Gulf nations urging Netanyahu to cease airstrikes, stating, "These countries were very worried. They really liked the agreement we were negotiating."
Trump also claimed that Iran contacted the U.S. to convey a message: "(We) will not attack anymore and please tell Israel not to attack (Iran) again." This indicates that Trump intervened directly as Netanyahu's ongoing conflict with Iran jeopardized U.S.-led peace talks.
According to Axios, the recent military confrontation between Iran and Israel began when Israel conducted airstrikes targeting the Iran-aligned militant group Hezbollah in Beirut on June 7. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israel, and hostilities continued until the morning of June 8.
As the situation threatened to escalate into full-scale war, Trump called Netanyahu to pressure him to halt the Iranian attacks. CNN reported that the two leaders spoke multiple times within a few hours.
Consequently, Netanyahu announced a halt to further airstrikes. In a video message, he stated, "Airstrikes on this front are currently on hold because the terrorist regime in Tehran has been hit and has stopped its attacks against us."
Axios reported that Israel had initially planned a large-scale airstrike targeting dozens of sensitive Iranian sites, which would have marked the largest attack on Iran since April.
However, Netanyahu warned, "If that terrorist regime makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with overwhelming force," leaving open the possibility of retaliation for any future Iranian attacks.
Iran's military also announced it would cease operations against Israel for the time being. The Central Military Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated, "We have inflicted painful responses on the Zionist regime (Israel) and declare the cessation of operations by the Iranian military." However, it emphasized that if enemy aggression and malice continue, it would respond with much stronger and overwhelming measures.
Lebanon Disputes and Hormuz Tensions Complicate Negotiations
Nevertheless, the ceasefire between Israel and Iran does not signify an end to hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. Notably, differences in positions regarding Lebanon have emerged as a variable in the peace negotiations. The Wall Street Journal highlighted that these discrepancies are complicating the talks.
Esfandiyar Batmanghelidj, CEO of the Bosphorus and Bazaar Foundation, analyzed that Iran is testing the reliability of U.S. security commitments through the Lebanon issue. He stated, "Iran wants to see if Trump can restrain Israel in its own backyard. If Trump can do that, it might protect any agreement with Iran from further Israeli interference."
While direct confrontations have calmed for now, tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it neutralized the Palau-flagged M/T Marivex, which was heading toward Iran through international waters in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran is also expanding its pressure on maritime routes, mentioning the potential for control over the Red Sea through Yemen's Houthi rebels. According to Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency, Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated on social media, "From the Strait of Hormuz to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a new security belt of resistance will be established from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea."
Within Iran, hardline messages continue. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament leading the peace negotiations with the U.S., stated, "The U.S. is not seeking a ceasefire or dialogue," emphasizing the need for a firm response to protect the rights of the Iranian people. He added, "We should not rely on promises or slogans but pursue victories based on Iran's authority and rationality."
Amid these developments, Trump expressed optimism regarding the peace negotiations. According to CNN, on June 9, after attending an NBA Finals game in New York, Trump told reporters that an agreement to end the war with Iran could be reached within 2 to 3 days.
He stated, "We are in the final stages of what will be a very, very good agreement," asserting that the deal would not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons in any form. He added, "The strait will open immediately. It will open as soon as we sign, and that could happen within 2 to 3 days." However, CNN noted that Trump has previously suggested imminent agreements that later led to renewed conflicts.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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