Israel defies Trump ceasefire plea as Iran conflict spirals into chaos

A fragile ceasefire in the Middle East has come under renewed strain after Israel carried out strikes in Iran despite a reported call from US President Donald Trump urging restraint.

The latest escalation comes after Iranian forces launched what is believed to be their first attack since the US-backed ceasefire came into effect, following Israeli strikes on targets in Beirut, Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates.

Posting on its official X account, the Israel Defence Forces said: “The Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, struck military targets of the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran a short while ago. Further details to follow.”

What is Donald Trump saying about the escalation?

Trump had previously told US news outlet Axios that he intended to call Israeli leaders and encourage them not to retaliate after the Iranian strike on northern Israel.

Speaking to Fox News in a phone interview, he said: “What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal.”

He added that the strikes on northern Israel would “not help” negotiations, which he claimed were close to producing a wider agreement.

“It’s certainly not going to help negotiations,” Trump said, adding: “We’re very close. I would say an agreement would be signed on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of this coming week. And now this takes place.”

Trump also said he was “not happy” about Israel’s strikes in Beirut, which a US official reportedly told Fox News had been briefed in advance.

Is a ceasefire now at risk of collapse?

The US President had been pushing optimism over a potential breakthrough, repeatedly suggesting a deal was close, though offering limited details.

However, he warned that renewed violence risked derailing talks entirely.

During an interview with Meet the Press on Friday, Trump said delays were being driven by Iran.

“They’re strong, they’re proud, there are things they never thought they’d be doing that they’re going to have to do. They’ve got no choice, and it takes a little while,” he told NBC News moderator Kristen Welker.

What is Israel planning next?

Despite Trump’s warnings, Israeli military officials have signalled further escalation against Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon.

Military spokesperson Effie Defrin said: “We struck in Dahieh following Hezbollah’s unceasing attacks against communities in northern Israel.”

“The IDF will continue to operate throughout Lebanon and will intensify its actions against the Hezbollah terrorist organization.”

Defrin added that Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir “is conducting a situational assessment with the General Staff Forum and approving plans for the continuation of operations.”

“We are prepared for the possibility of additional attacks against us. Our defence systems are excellent, but defence is not airtight,” he said.

With strikes continuing across multiple fronts and diplomatic talks under pressure, fears are growing that the ceasefire could unravel entirely if retaliation continues to escalate on both sides.