Trump’s Stance on Iran and Netanyahu’s Role

On Wednesday, President Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have full discretion regarding any actions taken against Iran, following a significant phone call between the two overnight. This conversation occurred amid ongoing high-stakes negotiations to end the current conflict.

When asked if he had provided Netanyahu with specific timelines for resuming attacks on Tehran, Trump responded, “He’s a very good man. He’ll do whatever I want.” He went on to add, “And he’s a great guy…don’t forget, he was wartime prime minister.”

Trump also indicated that he wouldn’t rush into a deal with Iran if they are not ready to negotiate. “We are [Strait of Hormuz]. It will open quickly, so let’s try this. I’m not in a hurry. Everyone’s saying, ‘Oh, it’s the midterm elections.’ I’m in no rush… Ideally, I’d like to see a few people killed, not a lot of people,” he expressed when probed about agreeing to a limited deal.

His comments came after reports from Israel’s Channel 12 noted that the phone call with Netanyahu was “long and dramatic.” The specifics of their discussion remain unclear, but it suggests that both leaders may be nearing a significant decision regarding the ongoing war.

The White House and Netanyahu’s office have yet to comment on the call’s details.

This contact followed Trump’s earlier threats to impose “major blows” against Iran if they did not comply with the agreement. Just the day before, Trump had suggested that he was on the verge of ending a six-week ceasefire, although he later reconsidered in favor of further diplomacy.

Expressing uncertainty about future actions, Trump remarked, “I had one hour left before I decided to leave today. We may have to take another big hit. We don’t know yet. We’ll find out soon enough.”

Trump and Netanyahu had also met on Sunday, shortly after Iran rejected the latest U.S. peace proposal. Reports indicate both countries are now preparing to escalate military actions against Tehran due to stagnated negotiations.

In response to tensions, Iran ramped up its threats, warning it would attack countries beyond the Middle East if the U.S. or Israel resumed airstrikes. “If the invasion of Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will now extend beyond the region,” stated the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, according to state media.

Tehran did not clarify what targets it might pursue outside the Middle East.

Both Trump and Netanyahu justified their actions, stating that the war was initiated to undermine Iran’s support for regional militias, dismantle its nuclear ambitions, destroy missile capabilities, and facilitate conditions for an overthrow of the Iranian regime. However, Iran has firmly rejected the proposed terms.

The Iranian regime demands sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from surrounding nations, without conceding any nuclear capabilities.