The US military said it had launched a wave of strikes in Iran in response to Tehran’s downing of a US Army helicopter. “The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression,” US Central Command said.
The IDF declared a security lockdown in three northern communities after a suspect fired at soldiers.
The close diplomatic coordination between Jerusalem and Washington is what ultimately resolved the latest round with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio played a significant role in the discussion and backed Israel’s position. Also: Netanyahu’s tactic in his conversation with Trump.
Israel may have “fired last” in the current round, but it did so in a limited manner, without US support and under Iranian dictates. Alongside the deep frustration, a question is also emerging: Will Israel continue striking in Dahiyeh, or will it “absorb” fire at its territory to prevent an Iranian attack?
With Iran declaring a ceasefire after 24 hours of direct exchanges of fire, Israel's security cabinet decided the IDF will continue clearing the security zone in southern Lebanon, while seeking to end the fighting.
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of Iran’s armed forces announced it was holding its fire. “If the wicked acts of aggression continue, including in southern Lebanon, much harsher and more crushing measures will follow,” the statement said.
After Trump's remarks, a call took place between the two leaders, followed by a diplomatic-security consultation.
The IDF has moved to its highest state of readiness after overnight strikes; an Israeli official confirmed coordination with the US.
Israel has been waiting for an opportunity to complete the mission in Iran, and the right moment may have arrived. The coming days are critical, with Israel on the verge of deciding whether to overturn the table and change the rules of the game into which it has been forced.
New report from opposition-linked Iran International raises questions about command-and-control in Tehran, as foreign ministry warns the diplomatic track is in tatters.
