When US President Donald Trump publicly implored Israel not to attack Iran, he declared, once again, that his goal was to be a peacemaker.

Hours later on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- one of Trump's closest international allies -- unleashed a major military campaign described as a "preemptive" strike against Iran's nuclear program.

The attack marks the latest setback for Trump's lofty goal set out at the start of his second term of being a "man of peace."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump has also boasted a warm relationship, has rebuffed his overtures for a ceasefire with Ukraine.

And Israel resumed another massive offensive in Gaza after talks bogged down on extending a ceasefire with Hamas reached with Trump's support at the end of his predecessor Joe Biden's term.

Trump's friend and roving envoy Steve Witkoff -- who has negotiated in all three crises -- had been set to meet Iranian officials again Sunday in Oman.

Trump later was careful not to distance himself from Israel, where some........

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