President Donald Trump faced a wave of criticism on Monday as online commentators claimed he had lost control of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, after he insisted from Washington that he alone 'calls the shots' in the Middle East.
Tensions flared again after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel, a key US ally, in what has been described as the most serious breach of a fragile ceasefire agreed in April. In February, American and Israeli forces carried out joint strikes on several Iranian targets, prompting Iran to hit back across the region and temporarily block the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route. Negotiations for a long‑term deal have continued since, with the White House insisting talks remain on track even as rockets fly.
