Trump Clashes with Netanyahu Over Iranian Regime Change Strategy
In a stark display of diverging priorities, former US President Donald Trump has forcefully rejected a proposal from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States should instigate a violent street revolution to overthrow the Iranian government. According to a US official, during a call last week, Trump bluntly responded to Netanyahu, questioning the logic of encouraging civilians to protest when they faced likely slaughter by regime forces.
Contentious Exchange Highlights Deepening Rift
The heated conversation occurred shortly after Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, made statements last Tuesday, underscoring the timing's sensitivity. Netanyahu argued to Trump that the Iranian regime was in disarray and presented a fleeting opportunity for a popular uprising, as reported by a US official and an Israeli source to Axios. However, Trump expressed grave concerns about potential massacres, recalling the thousands of Iranians killed by paramilitary groups during anti-regime protests before the war began.
Despite Israel listing regime change as a key objective, the US has subtly distanced itself from Jerusalem's stance, even as Trump had previously advocated for revolution at the war's onset. This break reflects a widening gap between the two leaders, with Trump pushing for a peace deal and a swift conflict resolution, while Netanyahu remains deeply skeptical that any agreement could be satisfactory.
Netanyahu's Unilateral Actions and Public Statements
Sources indicate that Trump and Netanyahu agreed to monitor whether Iranians would spontaneously participate in the annual Festival of Fire without external encouragement. However, Netanyahu proceeded independently, stating on television that Israeli aircraft were striking terrorist operatives to enable the Iranian people to celebrate. He explicitly urged them to go out and celebrate, claiming surveillance from above, which further strained relations with Trump.
This episode underscores the complex dynamics in US-Israel relations, where strategic disagreements over Iran's future and conflict management are becoming increasingly pronounced. The fallout from this call may influence ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional stability, as both nations navigate their roles in the volatile Middle East landscape.
