Netanyahu says Trump is in full control of Iran war, denies influencing strikes after DC meeting

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that US President Donald Trump is in full control of the Iran war, denying he pressured Trump to enter or escalate the conflict. In an ABC News interview, Netanyahu called Trump the 'senior partner' and discussed options to end the war, including negotiations, the Hormuz blockade, and further military action. Netanyahu also claimed Iran is weakened but expressed skepticism about diplomacy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an ABC News interview that US President Donald Trump is in full control of the war with Iran, denying any influence over Trump's decisions. Netanyahu rejected claims that he pushed Trump to enter the conflict or launch new strikes after their Tuesday meeting in Washington. He described Trump as the 'senior partner' and himself as the 'junior partner,' emphasizing the US-Israeli alliance against a common enemy. The two leaders discussed options to end the war, including negotiations with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and the need for further military action. Netanyahu expressed skepticism about Iranian diplomacy, calling them liars who play for time, but said diplomatic and economic pressure might work. He downplayed the strategic importance of the Hormuz strait post-war, predicting energy pipelines would bypass it. Meanwhile, the US renewed strikes on southern Iran overnight Wednesday into Thursday, though Israel remains uninvolved. Netanyahu warned that if Iran targets Israel, it would be a 'perilous mistake' met with a forceful response.