President Trump has voiced his frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, but it is not clear how able he is to rein in Israeli military action.
Iran’s leaders want to show they are serious about defending their Hezbollah allies in Lebanon and maintaining the regional balance of power, analysts say.
As it braces for a possible U.S.-Iranian peace deal, Israel now knows that if it responds forcefully to attacks by Hezbollah, Iran may strike Israel with missiles.
An imploding economy is causing hopelessness among both pro- and anti-government Iranians. And for those who wished for regime change, the letdown is palpable.
President Trump’s boasts of securing a commitment from Iranian leaders not to develop a nuclear weapon have puzzled nuclear experts who note that Tehran has made that pledge for more than 50 years.
The Defense Department has increased the counterintelligence threat assessment to its highest level, and Israel is believed to have eavesdropped on American negotiations with Iran.
The latest violence between the United States and Iran threatened a cease-fire and risked further stoking tensions in the region.
Mehdi Taj said his federation has been dealing with FIFA, not the United States, in trying to obtain visas for Iran to play in the tournament that begins next week.
The agreement places the onus on Hezbollah to halt attacks, while demanding few immediate concessions from Israel. The cease-fire could remove an obstacle in the talks between the United States and Iran.
It was the latest attempt by President Trump to flip the narrative on a conflict that he once said would lead to quick and decisive victory.