Iran Rejects Trump's De-escalation Offer on Israel, Vows "Very Imminent Response"

Iran rejected an offer from former US President Donald Trump, aimed at de-escalation and refraining from retaliation against Israel, stating: "We will respond very soon." This comes amidst a tense regional atmosphere, with Tehran seeking to affirm its superiority, while Trump strives to ensure Israel is not attacked via economic incentives. Iran threatens to launch an attack in response to the bombing of Beirut's southern Dahiyeh suburb. Reports suggested Tehran might show goodwill by not attacking Israel for American benefits; Israelis expected Trump to announce "gains" for Iranians if they did not retaliate against the attack. Yet, Tehran explicitly rejected the offer on Sunday evening, stating: "Trump offered us money to curb the attack... we rejected it and will respond very soon," adding: "We will not betray our people." Furthermore, Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, severely warned Israel, affirming "the response of the soldiers of Islam is coming" and "the unity of fronts has created a security chain to protect the region." He stressed, "Lebanon is our soul, and the Islamic Republic's red lines will not be violated." The Iranian hacker group "Hanzala" also threatened "rapid and violent fires within hours," urging people to seek shelters. On the Israeli side, the Political-Security Cabinet is holding a secret meeting in Jerusalem, at an undisclosed location, due to security requirements and escalation potential. This follows an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern Dahiyeh on Sunday morning, in response to Hezbollah drones launched at northern Israel. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed a "tremendous response" after the bombing, affirming Dahiyeh is a "red line that cannot be tolerated."