Iran Urges Trump to Push Israel to Halt War as Conflict Escalates

What Happened?

Iranian leaders on Monday called on President Donald Trump to push for a ceasefire as the only way to stop its aerial war against Israel that has entered its fifth day.

Israeli forces have reportedly stepped up their attacks on Iranian cities as Iran continues its retaliatory assaults piercing Israeli air defenses.

Iran's request to President Trump came despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating his country was on the 'path to victory.'

'We are on the path to achieving our two goals: eliminating the nuclear threat and eliminating the missile threat,' Netanyahu said Monday during a tour of the Tel Nof Airbase alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Netanyahu added, 'The Israeli Air Force controls the skies over Tehran.'

The Israeli leader told ABC News that targeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would end, not escalate, its ongoing fight with Iran.

Trump reportedly vetoed an Israeli plan that involved intent to assassinate Khamenei.

White House officials have made it clear that Trump was opposed to Israeli forces making the move amid escalation concerns, according to reports.

But Netanyahu told reporters it's in the U.S.'s interest to support Israel as it seeks to eliminate Iran's nuclear program.

'I think there's a good chance there will be a deal,' said Trump on Sunday before onboarding Air Force One for Canada’s G7 Summit. 'Sometimes they have to fight it out.'

Why it Matters

The Israeli military said Monday on social platform X that it 'precisely struck' command centers belonging to Iran's Quds Force, killing four Iranian military officials.

Iran's latest retaliatory strikes hit Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing at least eight people and injuring nearly 100 on Monday, according to reports.

Many say Israel's initiated actions leave its long-time ally, the United States, in a very critical position.

Iran has recently suspended its plans indefinitely to engage in nuclear talks with the U.S. following Israel’s massive ‘Red Lion’ operation.

The U.S. and Tehran officials were reportedly scheduled to meet on Sunday in Oman for further discussions.

It marked a significant setback for Iran's diplomatic efforts to revive a 2015 nuclear agreement.

While Israel has its extended focus on Iran's supreme leader, the Trump administration is desperate to keep Israel’s operation aimed at decapitating Iran’s nuclear program, The Associated Press reported.

Any wider actions to assassinate Iran's leader could destabilize the Middle East across multiple regions.

How it Affects You

Israel's Red Lion attack has been called 'illegal, unjustifiable, and risks a grave threat to regional stability' by foreign leaders.

The operation has already killed top Iranian commanders, which had been deemed as a 'declaration of war' by Iran.

More than 200 people have been killed, including many women and children, and more than 1,000 people have been injured, according to Iran's Health Ministry.

In retaliation, at least 24 people have been killed and nearly 600 injured by Iranian strikes against Israel.

U.S. officials still hope for a nuclear deal despite previous attempts for two months.

Iran's ‘second chance’ Trump had stated is likely indefinitely suspended unless the U.S. takes firm action to hold Israel more accountable in the Middle East.