What's happened
Israel considered a broader counterstrike on Iran after an Iranian attack was mostly thwarted, but opted for a more limited response following diplomatic pressure.
Why it matters
The decision by Israel to scale back its retaliatory strike on Iran is crucial in preventing further escalation and potential regional conflict. The diplomatic pressure applied by the US and other allies played a significant role in de-escalating tensions and avoiding a broader military confrontation.
What the papers say
The New York Times and Business Insider UK both highlight the significant impact of diplomatic pressure from the US and other allies in Israel's decision to opt for a more limited response to Iran's attack. The New York Times emphasizes the potential for a forceful Iranian counterattack if Israel had proceeded with a broader strike, while Business Insider UK underscores the role of President Biden and other foreign ministers in urging restraint to prevent a wider war.
How we got here
The recent escalation between Israel and Iran began with an Iranian attack on Israel, which was largely intercepted with the help of a US-led coalition. Israel initially planned a more extensive counterstrike on Iran but ultimately chose a more limited response following diplomatic intervention to prevent further hostilities.
More on these topics
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.