Cliff Notes
- Israeli warplanes were prepared to retaliate against Iranian missile strikes, considering them a violation of a newly-established ceasefire.
- A phone call from US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu averted further military action, with Israeli forces ordered to return to base.
- A lone airstrike on a symbolic target near Tehran was executed, reflecting Israeli military readiness without escalating conflict.
Donald Trump ordered Israel to halt strike on Iran in call to Benjamin Netanyahu
Dozens of Israeli warplanes hovered ominously over Iranian airspace this morning, poised to retaliate against multiple salvos of Iranian ballistic missiles launched against Israel in the early hours of the morning.
Those missiles violated the just-established ceasefire in the eyes of Israeli officials, who were ready to respond.
This show of military force was abruptly stopped by a phone call from US President Donald Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to sources, Mr Trump demanded Mr Netanyahu halt the operation, fearing it would unravel the ceasefire and pitch the Middle East back into conflict.
Sources
Donald Trump ordered Israel to halt strike on Iran in call to Benjamin Netanyahu – Sky News
Israel agrees to deepen ‘close’ security cooperation with US – as it happened – The Guardian
Updates: Trump warns Israel not to attack Iran as fragile ceasefire holds – Al Jazeera