Netanyahu Rejects Trump's Call to End Iran Conflict, US Official Says

WASHINGTON, United States — A US official said President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held what the official described as a "courteous" phone call, during which Netanyahu rejected Trump's request to end the conflict. The official said the United States made clear that the cycle of endless escalation must stop and that Washington did not approve of or support Israel's recent strikes against Iran. The US official said American forces did not take part in Israel's attacks on Iran. An Israeli official, however, said Washington helped prevent Iranian attacks on Israel. The Israeli military announced Monday that it struck air defense systems that Iranians had rebuilt during the ceasefire period. Israel later targeted a large petrochemical facility in Iran that officials said produced raw materials used in weapons manufacturing. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Baghaei held the United States directly responsible for Israel's actions, saying the developments would complicate diplomatic efforts. Trump said negotiations with Iran must progress "quickly," adding that "ignorance or stupidity" could prevent that from happening.