Trump warns Netanyahu as Israel and Iran halt attacks amid peace talks

US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw American support from Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues attacks on Iran, warning him "you'll be on your own" as both countries have halted their direct military confrontation. The warning came after a brief but intense exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran on Sunday that broke weeks of relative calm in the region.

Trump revealed that Israeli missiles were already en route to Iran before he could speak with Netanyahu, highlighting the rapid pace of developments and the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict. The revelation underscores how quickly the situation escalated and how close the region came to a broader confrontation.

Despite the halt in direct attacks between Israel and Iran, Israel continues its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Lebanese health ministry officials reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 14 people in southern Lebanon on Monday. Since March, according to official figures, 3,637 people have been killed in Lebanon with 11,188 wounded in the ongoing conflict.

The US President emphasized that "final negotiations" for peace are proceeding, though he warned against "ignorance or stupidity" derailing the process. Trump, who launched the war alongside Israel in February, is now reportedly seeking a negotiated settlement with Iran while excluding Israel from those talks, creating tensions between Washington and Jerusalem.

The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu appears increasingly strained. Trump expressed frustration with Netanyahu's approach and claimed, "If I tell him to do something, he does it," suggesting his expectation that Israel should follow American directives, particularly regarding ending hostilities with Iran. This public assertion of influence comes amid questions about how effectively Trump can rein in Israeli military action.

An Israeli diplomat characterized the disagreements between Trump and Netanyahu as a "lovers' spat," suggesting that despite public tensions, the fundamental alliance between the two countries remains intact. However, the current crisis exposes the limits of Trump's influence over Israeli military strategy and decision-making.

Iran-backed Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli troops inside Lebanon but did not claim any attacks on Israeli territory, potentially signaling an attempt to avoid further escalation while diplomatic efforts continue. This restraint may indicate that various parties are seeking to prevent a broader regional conflict while negotiations proceed.

The temporary halt in fighting between Israel and Iran raises questions about the sustainability of this pause. While both sides have stopped their direct attacks on each other, the underlying conflicts remain unresolved. Israel's continued operations in Lebanon demonstrate that the conflict has shifted geographically rather than ended entirely.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region, where multiple actors including the US, Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah must navigate competing interests and objectives. Trump's role as mediator is complicated by his administration's previous support for Israeli military action and the current tensions with Netanyahu over strategy.

Regional observers note that the brief flare-up demonstrated how quickly the situation can deteriorate despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The exchange of strikes served as a reminder of the volatile nature of the current arrangements and the potential for rapid escalation if diplomatic solutions are not found.

Looking ahead, the success of peace negotiations will likely depend on whether all parties can maintain the current restraint while substantive discussions proceed. The international community is watching closely to see whether this pause in fighting can be converted into a more durable ceasefire and eventually a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict.