Iran and Israel Trade Strikes While Trump Asserts Full Control Over the Conflict
Iran and Israel exchanged strikes late Sunday, marking the largest escalation between the two nations since the April Iran war ceasefire, as President Donald Trump asserted he is calling all the shots and urged Netanyahu not to respond to Tehran’s recent barrage.
A man checks a fallen rocket half-buried in the ground on the outskirts of Jericho on June 8, 2026, following Iranian strikes
AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a missile barrage at Israel late Sunday, stating it was retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
The IRGC declared it would not tolerate any breach of the ceasefire or aggression against Lebanon, describing the strikes as both a response and a warning.
A few hours later, the Israeli Defense Forces reported that aircraft had struck Iranian military sites in western and central Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran.
Iran announced that it has closed the western portion of its airspace, including Tehran’s international airport, which suspended all flights.
Trump’s Remarks on the Escalation
Shortly after Iran launched its first salvo, Trump was asked about Israel’s potential response by Fox News’ Trey Yingst and Axios’ Barak Ravid. Yingst said Trump told him the Iranian attack would “certainly not…help negotiations.” He added, “What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve fired your missiles; that’s enough. Return to the negotiating table and make a deal.” Trump also told Yingst that a deal with Iran appears close, though his administration has hinted at an imminent agreement for weeks. He said he was “not happy” about Israel’s recent strikes on Lebanon after a ceasefire was brokered last week, and told Axios he would call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “right now” to tell him not to retaliate. “Both sides had their moment—Israel struck, Iran struck. We don’t need another.” The outlet later reported that the two leaders spoke by phone, during which Trump urged Netanyahu not to respond to the attacks.
Trump’s Comments on Netanyahu and a Peace Deal
In a Financial Times interview, Trump asserted that Netanyahu will have no alternative but to accept any agreement the United States reaches with Iran, adding, “I call all the shots; he does not.” He reiterated that Netanyahu “won’t have any choice” on the matter, and affirmed that his proposed peace deal remains on track, saying the recent Iran‑Israel exchange will not affect it.
How Have the Strikes Impacted the Oil Markets?
Brent crude futures rose to $97.58 per barrel early Monday, a gain of more than 4.8% from Friday’s close.