In a crucial diplomatic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged then-President Donald Trump to refrain from launching military strikes against Iran. The conversation, which took place last Wednesday, was driven by concerns over potential retaliatory attacks on Israel by the Iranian regime. This plea came shortly before Trump announced to the press that credible sources informed him Iran had ceased executing anti-regime protesters.

Netanyahu’s appeal was not an isolated effort. Earlier in the week, he had also reached out to Vice President JD Vance. This plea coincided with strategic discussions at the White House, where officials were evaluating military options concerning Iran, as reported by the New York Times.

In addition to Israel’s concerns, several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt, have conveyed similar apprehensions to the White House. These nations fear that a military strike on Iran could escalate into a broader regional conflict. Over the past two days, senior Gulf officials have been actively lobbying Trump administration officials to consider the potential ramifications of such action. Both Israeli and Arab leaders are wary of Iran’s possible retaliatory measures, should the US decide to proceed with an attack. Sources indicate that these Arab nations are not only communicating their stance to Washington but are also engaging with key figures in Tehran to manage the situation diplomatically.

The US ordered the evacuation of air bases in the region, including an unspecified number from a site in Qatar by Wednesday evening. Al Udeid, the largest American base in the Middle East, houses 10,000 troops and was targeted by Iran in June in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Two Israeli defense officials now claim that the rate of mass killings in Iran has dropped.

The regime’s efforts since Sunday to crackdown on demonstrators by cutting off internet access across the country has resulted in fewer protests. Protesters have been demonstrating against the Ayatollah since late December with some of the largest protests in decades. Trump has also issued positive statements after a report surfaced that an unnamed Iranian protester would not be sentenced to death. ‘This is good news,’ Trump said Thursday on Truth Social. ‘Hopefully, it will continue!’