ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated:

US President Donald Trump asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid striking Iran in retaliation for the recent Iranian missile attack on Israel, N12 news reported on Sunday.

Trump further told KAN News that Israel "has responded enough, no need for more."

Later on Sunday, Trump told Axios that the US is "very close to a final deal with Iran."

"I don't want it to blow up because of what is happening now," said Trump.

Trump added that the Iran strikes "didn't hurt anybody," saying that he hopes Israel does not retaliate.

Anti-missile batteries fire interception missiles toward incoming ballistic missiles launched from Lebanon, as seen in northern Israel, during the war with Iran and Hezbollah and ongoing missile fire toward Israel, March 16, 2026.
Anti-missile batteries fire interception missiles toward incoming ballistic missiles launched from Lebanon, as seen in northern Israel, during the war with Iran and Hezbollah and ongoing missile fire toward Israel, March 16, 2026. (credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)

"If Netanyahu strikes them back, it's just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or last 3,000 years," said Trump.

Trump urges Iran to return to negotiations

Earlier on Sunday, Trump urged Iran to get back to the negotiating table.

"What I would suggest to Iran: You've shot your missiles, that's enough. Get back to the table and make a deal," Trump told Fox News.

He also told Fox that he was unaware of the strikes on Lebanon, contrary to earlier reports, and that he was angry about them.