A senior Israeli security official stated Monday evening that the Israeli Air Force used only five percent of its military capacity during recent strikes in Iran, noting that the decision to halt attacks came directly from the political leadership. He described the latest round not as a full confrontation but as “fire correspondence,” confirming the destruction of eight advanced surface-to-air missile launchers and two Iranian radars with dozens of F-16 fighter jets.  

The official also revealed actual U.S. participation in intercepting 22 Iranian missiles, contradicting Washington’s public denial.  

On the northern front, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stressed a new deterrence equation, declaring: “The rule of Beirut’s southern suburb is the same as the rule of northern towns,” vowing heavy bombardment in Lebanon in response to any attacks on northern Israel. Katz rejected Iran’s attempts to link the Lebanese front with the Iranian theater.  

These statements coincided with intense diplomatic activity led by U.S. President Donald Trump, who called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Trump wrote on his digital platforms that both sides were seeking de-escalation and that final negotiations were underway, while insisting that sanctions on Iran would remain fully in place until a final deal is reached.  

Speaking to American media, Trump said the latest attacks would not derail negotiations, asserting that Netanyahu would have no choice but to accept the upcoming agreement with Iran. He emphasized that he sets the strategic outlines for regional policy, explaining that the deal focuses on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and dismantling its uranium stockpiles. Trump warned that the U.S. would resort to a final military option to secure nuclear materials if diplomacy fails.