ALBAWABA - U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to halt its missile attacks against Israel and return to negotiations, saying a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran was close before the latest escalation threatened diplomatic progress.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Iran had already sent its message through the missile launches and should now focus on reaching a deal rather than continuing military actions.
The U.S. president revealed that he had expected an agreement with Iran to be finalized within days, suggesting an announcement could have come early next week before the latest exchange of fire disrupted the process.
Trump also confirmed that American forces have been placed on heightened readiness following the recent developments, which came after Iranian missile launches that Tehran described as a response to Israeli military actions in Beirut.
According to Axios, Trump intends to speak directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and encourage him to avoid a retaliatory strike that could further inflame regional tensions.
The latest incident marks the first reported Iranian missile attack against Israel since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April, raising concerns that diplomatic efforts to end the conflict could unravel.
Israeli media reported that air defense systems intercepted several incoming missiles, while military officials said additional projectiles were detected during the attack.
Meanwhile, Iranian military officials warned that any expansion of Israeli operations in Lebanon or retaliation against Iran's recent actions could trigger a broader and more destructive response.
The developments come as international mediators continue efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict, with growing concern that renewed exchanges between Iran and Israel could undermine ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
