Israel Halts Aerial Campaigns Against Iran Following Trump’s Directive
Israel Halt Attacks on Iran at Trump – TEMPO.CO, Jakarta — U.S. President Donald Trump has successfully prompted Israel to suspend its airstrikes on Iran, marking a significant shift in the ongoing regional conflict. However, Israeli authorities have clarified that their focus remains on targeting Lebanese positions, with a senior official asserting that the military will maintain full operational capacity in the southern part of the country.
Israel’s Strategic Pause in Iran Operations
According to a statement released by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, a high-ranking Israeli official confirmed that the decision to halt strikes on Iran came as a result of Trump’s intervention. The official emphasized that while the attacks on Iran would cease, the military’s efforts in Lebanon would not waver. “We are continuing in Lebanon at full force according to the equation that if they fire toward the settlements — we will strike in Dahieh,” the spokesperson said, referencing the Beirut neighborhood where Iranian forces are stationed.
“We are continuing in Lebanon at full force according to the equation that if they fire toward the settlements — we will strike in Dahieh” in Beirut.
Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, reported that an unnamed official reiterated the same stance, stating that the military would “cease fire in Iran, but not in southern Lebanon.” This clarification underscores the dual strategy being pursued by Israel, aligning with Trump’s request to reduce direct confrontations with Iran while maintaining pressure on Hezbollah and other groups in Lebanon.
Iran’s Response to the Ceasefire
Iran’s military issued a statement on Monday morning announcing a temporary halt in its retaliatory strikes against Israel. However, Tehran warned that it would respond decisively if Israel’s operations in Lebanon continued. “If the attacks persist, we will deliver a crushing blow,” an Iranian official cautioned, highlighting the nation’s readiness to escalate tensions.
The pause in Iranian action followed Israel’s recent bombardment of Beirut on Sunday, despite an existing ceasefire agreement. This aerial assault on the Lebanese capital triggered a retaliatory missile strike from Iran, targeting northern Israel in the early hours of the same day. The incident has raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed hostilities.
Escalating Tensions and Regional Impact
Since March 2, Israel’s attacks on Lebanon have left a devastating toll, with over 3,600 fatalities and more than 11,000 injuries reported. The Lebanese government estimates that more than 1.6 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing bombardments. These figures reflect the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, as Israeli airstrikes target infrastructure, military installations, and civilian areas.
Regional tensions have been building since late February, when the U.S. and Israel launched a series of coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. This initial aggression sparked a chain reaction, with Iran retaliating by attacking Israeli territory and launching missile campaigns against U.S. allies in the region. The conflict has drawn in multiple actors, including Hezbollah, which has been a key proxy for Iran in Lebanon.
Trump’s Call for Immediate Truce
On Monday morning, Trump posted a message on his Truth Social platform urging both Israel and Iran to halt hostilities immediately. The president highlighted the importance of diplomacy in de-escalating the situation, stating that the two nations should prioritize dialogue over military action. “It is time for a pause, a moment of calm, and a chance to reset the conflict,” Trump wrote, signaling his support for the ceasefire agreement.
While the truce with Iran has been announced, its success hinges on the implementation of terms and the willingness of both sides to adhere to the agreement. The temporary ceasefire, which was brokered on April 8, initially provided a window for negotiations, but disagreements over its enforcement led to a breakdown in talks. The latest developments suggest that Trump’s influence remains a critical factor in shaping the conflict’s trajectory.
Broader Implications for the Middle East
The decision to pause attacks on Iran has broader implications for the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Analysts note that the move could reduce the risk of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran, though tensions with Hezbollah and other regional actors remain high. The ceasefire also allows time for Iran to regroup and assess its military capabilities, potentially influencing its future strategies.
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon continues to be a focal point. With over 3,600 lives lost and 11,000 injured since the conflict began, the Lebanese population is under immense strain. The government has called for international aid and support to address the crisis, while also urging Israel to limit its military operations to protect civilians.
As the region grapples with the fallout from the ceasefire, the dynamics between the U.S., Israel, and Iran remain complex. Trump’s directive has created a temporary reprieve, but the underlying tensions are unlikely to dissipate quickly. The next steps will depend on the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts and the ability of all parties to uphold their commitments.
Read more about the recent developments in Tel Aviv, where explosions were reported as Iran launched retaliatory strikes. Click here to stay updated with the latest news from Tempo on Google News.
