Donald Trump's appeal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from striking back after Iran launched missiles at Israel appears to have been disregarded. The Israeli military announced it had struck targets inside Iran, hours after Trump reportedly advised against retaliation.
Trump's Plea and Israel's Response
According to reports, Trump told Netanyahu, "I'm about to call Bibi right now and tell him not to respond. Both of them have already done their part. Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don't need another one." However, the Israeli Air Force subsequently struck military targets in western and central Iran, without providing further details. The White House did not comment on whether the strikes were coordinated with the United States.
Escalating Conflict
The situation escalated after Iran responded to Israeli strikes on southern Beirut, Lebanon, earlier on Sunday. This exchange threatens to spiral into a broader regional war. Trump earlier claimed that Iran talks were "close" to a final deal, expressing concern that the current hostilities could derail negotiations.
Key Developments on June 7
- Iran Threatens US Bases: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and top negotiator, declared that US bases and assets in the region have become "legitimate targets" following the Israeli strike on Lebanon. A senior Iranian official promised a "decisive and painful" response to Israel's airstrikes.
- Trump Walks Out of NBC Interview: Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC's Meet the Press after making false claims about the 2020 election and discussing compensation for January 6 defendants.
- Chagos Islands Purchase Considered: Trump is reportedly weighing a plan to buy the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, bypassing UK officials to secure control of the Diego Garcia military base.
- Hegseth's D-Day Speech Criticized: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash for linking immigration to the D-day anniversary, calling it a different "invasion" of Europe's shores.
- Compensation for Rioters Unclear: Trump refused to rule out using $1.8 billion to compensate individuals charged with assaulting police during the January 6 Capitol attack.
Analysis and Other Stories
As the US approaches its 250th birthday, Trump fuels debates over monuments and national memory. Meanwhile, the NYPD canceled a New York Knicks watch party due to Trump's attendance, and several FBI analysts tied to a memo on Catholic "violent extremists" were fired. British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy criticized US Vice President JD Vance's remarks on the murder of a UK teenager, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested US interference in UK politics.
