Washington/Tehran: Fresh diplomatic efforts to prevent another escalation in the Middle East gained momentum after US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid launching further military action against Iran, warning that renewed hostilities could undermine ongoing peace negotiations.
The appeal came after Iran launched a fresh missile barrage towards Israel, describing it as retaliation for Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah-linked positions near Beirut. Israel responded with airstrikes on military installations and strategic infrastructure inside Iran, intensifying fears that the region could slide back into full-scale conflict.
According to reports, Trump personally spoke with Netanyahu and stressed the importance of keeping diplomatic channels open. In an interview, the US President said he cautioned the Israeli leader against taking steps that could isolate Israel internationally if fighting resumed.
Despite the exchange of fire, officials from both countries later indicated that military operations had been temporarily halted. Sources familiar with the developments suggested Israel had decided to pause additional strikes, while Iran signalled it would refrain from further attacks unless provoked by renewed Israeli action in Lebanon.
The brief confrontation sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with crude oil prices initially climbing sharply before easing after signs emerged that both sides were stepping back from immediate escalation.
Israeli officials maintained that the country’s security operations would continue whenever necessary, while leaders in Tehran asserted that they remain prepared for a prolonged confrontation if regional allies or Iranian interests are targeted again.
Meanwhile, the United Nations appealed for maximum restraint, urging all parties to avoid actions that could destabilise an already volatile region. Iranian officials acknowledged that communication with Washington continues through indirect channels but described the atmosphere surrounding negotiations as one of deep mistrust.
The regional situation remains delicate as tensions involving Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis continue to complicate broader diplomatic initiatives. The Houthis reiterated their opposition to Israeli maritime activity in the Red Sea, while Israel reported intercepting an aerial threat originating from Yemen.
In a sign that diplomatic engagement has not completely stalled, reports indicated that flights resumed at Tehran’s main international airport after a temporary suspension, and discussions involving Lebanon and Israel are expected to resume under US mediation.
With negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security still unresolved, international observers believe the coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy prevails or the conflict enters another dangerous phase.
