Trump warns Netanyahu against new strikes as Iran-Israel ceasefire holds

Tensions between Iran and Israel remain elevated on day 102 of the conflict, with both nations observing a mutual pause in tit-for-tat attacks that had previously threatened to unravel the fragile ceasefire established on 8 April. The truce, brokered by the United States, has held despite a recent escalation in strikes, though diplomatic signals suggest the arrangement is precarious.

US President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to exercise caution regarding further military operations. According to reporting by Axios, President Trump advised the Israeli leader to be “careful”, stating that continued Israeli strikes risk undermining the truce and potentially isolating Israel if hostilities resume.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed concerns regarding the stability of the agreement, describing the ceasefire as “brittle”. He warned that fighting could restart if Israel continues its attacks, including those in Lebanon, citing a lack of genuine will to build trust due to repeated violations.

The ceasefire faces additional pressure from growing public disagreements between Israel and the United States over the conduct of the war. These diplomatic frictions coincide with ongoing regional violence, including Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that the Lebanese Ministry of Health reports have resulted in at least 14 deaths in areas such as Tyre, Nabatieh, and Marwanieh.

Iran’s strategic objectives in the conflict include securing access to frozen oil revenues valued at tens of billions of dollars and limiting Israeli escalation against Hezbollah. Tehran has linked its military actions to recent Israeli attacks on Beirut, aiming to leverage its position in negotiations with the United States while maintaining a defensive posture regarding the current pause in direct attacks.