JERUSALEM

The Israeli army said Monday it will continue its offensive in Iran, despite remarks by US President Donald Trump about “productive talks” with Tehran.

"We will continue our operations in Iran according to the directives of the political leadership until further instructions are received," the army said in a statement carried by Channel 12.

Trump, on Monday, said he has ordered a 5-day postponement of all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing “very good and productive” talks with Tehran over the past two days.

“I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social.

Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman called early Monday on the Israeli government to continue the Iran war even if the US withdraws from the conflict.

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.