US President Donald Trump has forcefully dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's suggestion that the US should provoke a street revolution in Iran, according to reports of a phone call last week. Trump told Netanyahu: 'Why the hell should we tell people to take to the streets when they'll just get mowed down.'
The call followed the killing of Iran's security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike. Netanyahu argued that the Iranian regime was in disarray and that there was a window for revolution. However, Trump expressed concerns about a potential massacre, citing the deaths of thousands of Iranians in previous anti-regime protests.
The two leaders agreed to wait and see if Iranians would protest spontaneously during the annual festival of fire. Netanyahu later stated on television: 'Our aircraft are striking terrorist operatives. This is meant to allow the brave Iranian people to celebrate the festival of fire. So go out and celebrate, we are watching from above.'
The differing perspectives highlight a growing gap between Washington and Jerusalem on regime change. While Trump continues to advocate for a peace deal, Netanyahu has reportedly pushed for a 48-hour blitz on Iran's top targets. Netanyahu held an underground meeting in Tel Aviv after hearing Trump's 15-point peace plan, which his advisers deemed insufficient.
Iran has rejected Trump's proposal, demanding the closure of US bases in the Gulf, reparations, and control over the Strait of Hormuz. A Trump official described these demands as 'ridiculous' and warned that a deal is now harder to reach. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has ordered 2,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, joining 4,500 Marines already en route.
