Washington shows restraint but readiness, while Israel prepares Hezbollah strikes to defend northern communities”
The US military said it carried out self-defence strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and boats involved in placing mines, even as President Donald Trump said negotiations with Tehran were still “proceeding nicely.”
US Central Command spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins said the strikes were conducted to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. He added that the military was using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire, signalling that Washington is trying to preserve diplomacy while refusing to ignore direct threats.
The strikes highlight the fragile nature of the current ceasefire and the difficulty of negotiating with Iran while its forces continue dangerous military activity.
At the same time, Israel’s military warned residents of 10 villages, most of them in southern Lebanon, to evacuate ahead of expected strikes against Hezbollah targets. The warning reflects Israel’s determination to keep pressure on the Iranian-backed terror group and prevent attacks on northern Israeli communities.
Trump has also lowered expectations for an immediate regional agreement, saying he instructed negotiators not to rush into a deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier suggested that an announcement could come soon regarding a framework with Iran that may formally end the wider conflict.
The message from Washington and Jerusalem is clear: diplomacy remains open, but Iran and its proxies will face force whenever they threaten American troops, Israeli civilians or regional security.
