Trump calls for restraint as Israeli military vows swift retaliation against Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would advise Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate for an Iranian missile attack on Israel, while Israel's military chief warned early on Monday that once authorized, the army would deliver a forceful blow to Iran.

Speaking to reporters before a phone call with Netanyahu, Trump described Iran's missile launches as "unhelpful" for the ongoing diplomatic efforts, calling on Iran to reengage in talks.

Following the call, Netanyahu held emergency consultations with security officials, according to a report from Israel's public broadcaster KAN on Monday.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement early on Monday that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, during a situation assessment with senior commanders, said the military is ready to deliver a "strong blow" to Iran once given the green light.

An IDF spokesperson also said that the Israeli forces will continue operations in Lebanon and step up strikes against Hezbollah.

Trump calls for restraint as Israeli military vows swift retaliation against Iran

Trump calls for restraint as Israeli military vows swift retaliation against Iran

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, left Beijing on Monday for a state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Xi's trip is at the invitation of Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK. This is his first state visit to the DPRK in seven years.

Xi's entourage includes his wife Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister.

Xi leaves for state visit to DPRK