Donald Trump has reportedly convinced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on retaliating against Iran following its missile attacks on Israel, according to a senior US official. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that Trump “got Bibi to hold off for the time being,” using Netanyahu’s nickname.
The call between the two leaders occurred after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel, shattering the fragile ceasefire that had been in place since April. The official did not provide further details of the conversation, and Netanyahu’s office has not commented.
Axios reported that Trump urged Netanyahu to allow more time for diplomacy, saying “we are close to doing something good in terms of a deal.” Despite initial pushback, Netanyahu “pseudo agreed” to stand down, according to the unnamed official. The report described Sunday’s call as calmer than a previous heated exchange, with Trump not raising his voice.
Trump told the Financial Times that Netanyahu would have no choice but to accept any deal the US negotiates with Iran, stating: “I call the shots. I call all the shots. He [Netanyahu] doesn’t call the shots.” The US president also said Iran’s missile strikes would not affect his desire to conclude US-Iran negotiations.
Iran’s missile attack came after Israeli strikes on southern Beirut targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also targeted what it called “terrorist groups” in Iraqi Kurdistan. The escalation has led to a rise in oil prices, with Brent crude climbing over 3% to $96.15 a barrel.
