Netanyahu: Trump is the primary decision-maker in the war with Iran
Washington – Agencies: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump is the “primary decision-maker” in the war against Iran, denying that he had tried to persuade him to continue the confrontation. In an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu pointed to close coordination between the United States and Israel, while acknowledging that the challenges posed by Iran remain. He expressed skepticism about the possibility of reaching a genuine diplomatic solution with the Iranian regime, describing Tehran’s tactics as constant stalling and evasion.
Netanyahu also addressed the future of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran is weaker than ever, but ruled out the collapse of the Iranian regime in the foreseeable future, despite five months of war. He added that it cannot be determined to what extent Iran can exploit the flow of trade through the strait as a leverage card, noting that the international community is now fully aware of the threat the Iranian regime poses to global peace. He predicted that the Strait of Hormuz would lose its potency as a tool of blackmail after the war ends, thanks to alternative plans for transporting energy through the Red Sea.
A senior Israeli official said that Trump and Netanyahu explored during their meeting all means capable of halting Iran’s nuclear program, including diplomatic efforts, economic pressure, and the use of force. The official, speaking at a press conference held after the White House meeting on Tuesday, stated that Netanyahu did not inform Trump that Israel prefers launching an attack on Iran. Referring to Trump, the official said, “Ultimately, the decision is his,” and added that Trump has three options, all of which have been discussed in detail: “an agreement through negotiation, continued siege and economic pressure, and a large-scale military strike.” The official further noted that Netanyahu also proposed new, unspecified ideas within these options.
At the same time, the Israeli official acknowledged that Trump is the “senior partner” and Netanyahu is the “junior partner” in the allies’ war against Iran.
