Trump Urges Netanyahu to Avoid Retaliation Against Iran

President Donald Trump informed Axios correspondent Barak Ravid on Sunday evening that he intends to immediately contact Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge him against launching a retaliatory strike on Iran.

Trump told the Axios reporter, "I am calling Netanyahu now and asking him not to attack Iran in response to this."

He added, "The Iranian missile strike did not hit anyone, and I hope Israel will not respond." Trump warned against escalation, stating, "If Bibi (Netanyahu) attacks them back, this conflict will drag on just as it has for 47 years, or rather for 3,000 years."

Trump also revealed progress in diplomatic efforts with Tehran, saying, "We are very close to reaching a final agreement with Iran, and it will be a good deal. I do not want this agreement to be derailed by what is happening now."

He continued, "I am about to call Bibi now to ask him not to respond. Both sides have already acted; Israel carried out its strike and Iran carried out its strike, and we do not need another one."

Earlier, Hebrew media reported that Israel was preparing a "harsh and firm" response to Iran after missile launches toward Israeli territory. Reports also indicated communications between the Israeli government and the Trump administration seeking approval to target Iranian energy facilities.

The Hebrew newspaper Maariv cited an Israeli source stating that the Israeli government contacted the Trump administration to obtain a green light for striking Iranian energy installations following Tehran's missile launches toward Israel.

Additionally, Yedioth Ahronoth quoted an Israeli official who said Iran "can forget about containment policy," affirming that the Israeli response would be "harsh and firm."

In the same context, Hebrew media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a security consultation meeting to discuss the recent developments.