Overview
- Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Omer Tischler wrote that a broad strike on hundreds of targets in Iran was halted only one hour before aircraft were due to take off.
- The pause followed a direct intervention by President Donald Trump, who reportedly warned Israel it would have to act without U.S. support if it went ahead.
- The prepared operation involved multiple squadrons and planning to strike scores of sites deep inside Iran, reflecting contingency plans built after recent exchanges of fire.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately criticized military disclosures of the aborted mission, saying the public letter damaged Israel’s standing with the United States and stirred friction in security discussions.
- The operation remains on hold as U.S. diplomacy and ceasefire arrangements continue and the halt could be reversed if Iranian attacks resume, with the episode highlighting risks to regional stability, domestic cohesion, and market volatility.