Trump and Netanyahu Launch Strikes on Tehran, Then Diverge on Ceasefire Terms

U.S. and Israeli forces struck Tehran on February 28, beginning direct military action against Iran. The operation followed months of rising tensions and marked the first joint strikes on the Iranian capital by the two allies. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have since taken different positions on how the conflict should conclude.

Those differences were visible during the G7 summit in Evian, France.

Trump criticized Israel’s recent operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon while at the summit. He said the United States was essential to Israel’s security and that no prior president had taken the steps he had.

“Without us, without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president was willing to do what I did.”

Trump also expressed frustration with Israel’s handling of the conflict, specifically citing an Israeli strike on a Beirut suburb last weekend. He told Axios he “was so pissed off” by the move and said he told Netanyahu the action showed poor judgment.

A preliminary 60-day ceasefire under discussion would require Israel to withdraw forces from Lebanon. Netanyahu stated Monday that “the struggle has not ended,” signaling continued opposition to a full pullback. Israeli officials described the Beirut strikes as retaliation for rocket fire toward northern Israel.

The attack came close to derailing separate talks between Tehran and Washington. CIA Director Ratcliffe warned President Trump that Iran may not offer nuclear concessions even if a final agreement is reached. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to travel to Geneva on Friday to sign a memorandum of understanding.