US president-elect says ‘each side had its fun’ as Israel and Iran exchange strikes, raising fears of wider regional war.
United States President-elect Donald Trump has said he will personally call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge him against launching further strikes on Iran following Tehran’s recent missile attack on Israel.
In an interview with Axios published on Monday, Trump expressed his intention to press for restraint, stating: “I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike, and Iran had its strike.”
The comments come amid a dangerous escalation between the two longtime adversaries. Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel late last week in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Hezbollah-linked sites in Beirut. Most of the Iranian projectiles were intercepted by Israeli and allied defences, with limited damage reported.
Trump Seeks to Prevent Wider Iran-Israel War:
Trump’s intervention highlights his desire to prevent the conflict from spiralling into a full-scale regional war at a time when he is preparing to return to the White House. He has repeatedly positioned himself as a dealmaker capable of reining in both sides.
While Trump has been a staunch supporter of Israel, he has also signalled openness to negotiating with Iran on issues such as its nuclear programme and sanctions relief, provided Tehran shows willingness to compromise.
Israeli officials have so far given no public indication that they will heed Trump’s advice. Israel has conducted multiple rounds of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure in recent days, with reports of explosions near Tehran and in other parts of the country.
Netanyahu’s office has not commented directly on Trump’s latest remarks, but Israeli leaders have repeatedly vowed to respond forcefully to any attacks on their territory.
Fears Grow of Wider Middle East War:
The exchange of strikes has heightened fears across the Middle East. Neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, are on edge as the conflict risks drawing in other actors, including US forces stationed in the region.
Analysts warn that continued escalation could derail fragile diplomatic efforts and trigger a broader confrontation involving proxy militias backed by Iran.
Trump’s remarks also underscore shifting dynamics in Washington’s approach to the crisis. While the Biden administration has largely backed Israel’s right to self-defence, the incoming Trump team appears more focused on de-escalation and deal-making.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing military preparations even as international calls for restraint grow louder.