Washington, Jun 9: US President Donald Trump has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel could face growing international isolation if it resumes large-scale military action against Iran, according to remarks Trump made to Axios following a tense 24-hour period of escalating hostilities in the Middle East.

Speaking to the publication, Trump said he cautioned Netanyahu against actions that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran.

“I said, ‘Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon,’” Trump told Axios.

The warning came amid rising concerns in Washington that renewed military confrontation between Israel and Iran could derail negotiations aimed at reaching a diplomatic agreement and potentially draw the United States deeper into a regional conflict.

Escalation Raises Fears Of Broader Regional War
The developments followed Israeli strikes on targets linked to Hezbollah in Beirut on Sunday, which were followed by an Iranian missile response against Israel, heightening fears of a wider conflict across the region.

According to US and Israeli officials cited by Axios, Trump has spent months advocating for a negotiated settlement with Iran and reportedly urged Netanyahu not to retaliate further, arguing that a diplomatic breakthrough could be achieved within days.

Officials familiar with the discussions said Trump found himself balancing support for Israel’s security concerns with efforts to prevent a cycle of retaliatory attacks from spiralling into a broader regional war.

Israel Proceeds With Limited Response
Despite Trump's reservations, Netanyahu reportedly informed the White House that Israel would proceed with limited military action.

Israeli forces subsequently carried out strikes on facilities in Iran, prompting Tehran to launch another wave of missiles towards Israel.

US defence officials said American forces did not participate in the attacks but assisted Israel in intercepting incoming Iranian missiles.

As tensions mounted, Trump held another conversation with Netanyahu and pressed him to reconsider plans for a broader military campaign against Iran.

According to Israeli officials quoted in the report, Netanyahu eventually agreed to stand down from larger-scale operations provided Iran refrained from further attacks.

Regional Backchannels Signal Restraint
Trump also claimed that several countries in the region had contacted him urging restraint from both sides.

He further stated that Iranian officials had conveyed through intermediaries that Tehran would be willing to halt attacks if Israel did the same, raising hopes of preventing further escalation.

Netanyahu Defends Israel’s Military Operations
In a televised address on Monday, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, stating that the country had successfully neutralised what he described as an imminent Iranian nuclear threat and significantly weakened both Iran and Hezbollah through military operations over the past year.

The Israeli Prime Minister claimed that a pre-emptive strike against Iran had prevented Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and reiterated Israel’s long-standing position that it would not allow Iran to obtain an atomic bomb.

Netanyahu also alleged that Hezbollah had been preparing a major assault on northern Israel involving thousands of fighters and a large missile barrage.

According to him, Israel disrupted those plans, eliminated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and continued targeting the group’s military infrastructure, including underground facilities in southern Lebanon.

Warning Against Future Attacks
Netanyahu asserted that both Iran and Hezbollah were weaker than before while Israel had emerged stronger from the conflict.

However, he stressed that hostilities were not over and accused Tehran and Hezbollah of attempting to establish a “new equation” by launching attacks against Israel from Iranian and Lebanese territory.

Also Read: Trump Says Netanyahu Has No Choice But To Accept US Iran Deal

He said Israel had responded by striking Hezbollah positions in Beirut after cross-border fire from Lebanon and targeting military and economic sites inside Iran following Iranian attacks on Israeli territory.

Netanyahu added that Israel was currently refraining from further action because Iranian attacks had ceased after Israeli operations but warned that any renewed aggression would trigger an “overwhelming force” response.

Growing Differences Between Washington And Jerusalem
The latest developments have highlighted an emerging divergence between the United States and Israel over how to deal with Iran.

While Trump has repeatedly maintained that a diplomatic agreement with Tehran remains within reach, Netanyahu has continued to argue that failing to respond forcefully to Iranian actions would weaken deterrence and project vulnerability.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside heightened military preparedness across the region.