Donald Trump has claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu will do “whatever I want him to do” following a lengthy phone call between the two leaders regarding the conflict in Iran. The conversation, described as “dramatic,” reportedly involved a clash over whether to resume strikes in Iran or allow negotiators more time to reach a diplomatic agreement.
Trump's Stance on Iran Strikes
The US president had been expected to relaunch military attacks imminently but called off plans on Wednesday to give Tehran an opportunity to “give the right answers.” Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12 after the call, Trump stated he was in “no hurry” but emphasised that the US was prepared to strike if a deal was not reached.
“Believe me, if we don't get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We're all ready to go,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. When asked how long he would wait, he replied: “It could be a few days, but it could go very quickly.”
Netanyahu's Role
Commenting on Netanyahu’s position regarding the resumption of military action, Trump said: “He’s a very good man. He’ll do whatever I want him to do. And he’s a great guy. Don’t forget he was a wartime prime minister.” When asked if he and the Israeli leader were on the same page, Trump answered: “Yeah.”
Both the US and Israel have drawn a red line at Iran possessing a nuclear programme. Trump’s additional demands include the surrender of the country’s uranium, which he has referred to as “nuclear dust.”
Iran's Response
Iran announced on Thursday that it was reviewing Washington’s latest position on ending the war. Earlier, the country’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning against renewed attacks. “If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will extend beyond the region this time,” the Guards stated. Iran submitted its latest proposal to the US earlier this week, which, according to Tehran’s descriptions, largely repeats terms previously rejected by Trump, including demands for control of the Strait of Hormuz, compensation for war damage, lifting of sanctions, release of frozen assets, and withdrawal of US troops.
Domestic Pressure on Trump
The developments come as President Trump faces growing domestic pressure over oil prices. Fellow Republicans in Congress are encountering political headwinds ahead of November's midterm elections as gasoline prices skyrocket and global energy markets remain turbulent. Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday advanced legislation seeking to force Trump to withdraw from the Iran war, with a growing number of Republicans defying the president in a 50-47 vote.
