Israel braces for prolonged conflict with Iran as Trump calls for ceasefire
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
Israel said it is prepared for fighting with Iran that could last at least several days, as well as for the possible full resumption of war. The US president reacted to the exchange of strikes between the two countries, according to The Times of Israel and a statement by Donald Trump.
Since last night, Iran has launched at least 20 ballistic missiles at Israel, which, according to the military, were either intercepted or fell in unpopulated areas.
In addition, Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen launched two ballistic missiles at Israel this morning — one was intercepted, while the other did not reach the country's territory. So far, Israel has carried out two waves of strikes against Iran in response to the ballistic missile attacks.
During the night, Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck nine Iranian air defense systems in western and central Iran, and in the morning, they targeted three plants at a petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran.
Israel and Iran exchange strikes as Trump pushes for immediate ceasefire pic.twitter.com/IUdXQNVenk
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The military says the strikes are being carried out exclusively by Israel, but there is "full coordination" with US Central Command. American forces also took part in intercepting missiles launched by Iran at Israel.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir spoke three times with his counterpart, Commander of US Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper.
At the same time, Donald Trump reacted to the situation. He issued an urgent appeal and said that Israel and Iran must immediately cease fire.
Iran's strike on Israel was the first since April. After that, Donald Trump held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him to refrain from carrying out a retaliatory strike.
Meanwhile, amid the latest escalation in the Middle East, global oil prices continue to rise. During Asian trading, Brent crude gained 3.8% to $96.64 per barrel, while WTI rose 4.6% to $94.68 per barrel.
