Trump urges Netanyahu to avoid retaliation against Iran in phone call

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iran following recent missile exchanges.

A U.S. official told CNN that Trump conveyed the message during a phone call with Netanyahu on June 7. 

Trump warned Netanyahu against escalating already-soaring tensions in the region, the official said, and stressed his belief that a deal with Iran was near.

The call came after the Israeli military said it intercepted waves of missiles fired from Iran for the first time since early April.

Speaking to Axios prior to the call, Trump said he intended to contact Netanyahu directly to discourage further military action.

"I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike, and Iran had its strike. We don't need another one," Trump was quoted as saying.

The U.S. president also stressed that Washington would not participate in any potential Israeli military operation against Iran. In addition, Trump told Fox News that he was "not happy" about Israeli strikes on the Lebanese capital.

Earlier, in an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said Israel would have to accept any agreement reached between the United States and Iran, adding: "I call all the shots."

By Sabina Mammadli