US President Donald Trump has informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he has 'no choice' but to accept any agreement Washington reaches with Iran regarding the ongoing conflict. Trump made these remarks in a series of interviews following Iran's missile attack on Israel on Sunday.
Trump Urges Restraint
According to US media outlet Axios, Trump spoke with Netanyahu after Iran launched missiles at Israel, urging him not to retaliate. Trump warned that any military response could jeopardize the peace negotiations aimed at ending the three-month-long conflict. 'We are very close. I would say an agreement would be signed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. And now this takes place,' Trump told Fox News.
In his conversation with Netanyahu, Trump reportedly said, 'You've shot your missiles, that's enough. Get back to the table and make a deal.' He emphasized that Iran's strikes caused no casualties and expressed hope that Israel would not retaliate. 'If Bibi strikes them back, it's just going to keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3,000 years,' Trump added.
Trump's Authority Questioned
Speaking to the Financial Times, Trump asserted his dominance over the situation, stating that Netanyahu would have to accept the US-Iran agreement. 'He won't have any choice,' Trump said, adding that he 'calls the shots.' The interview was published just as Iran launched its first missile attack since a ceasefire took effect in April.
Trump also criticized Israel's strikes on Beirut on Sunday, saying he was 'not happy about it.' During the call with Netanyahu, Trump asked him to hold off on further military action because 'we are close to doing something good in terms of a deal,' according to a US official cited by Axios.
Netanyahu's Reluctant Agreement
Netanyahu initially pushed back against Trump's request but ultimately 'pseudo agreed' to stand down, the official said. Sunday's call was reportedly calmer than a tense exchange between the leaders the previous week, with Trump not raising his voice at Netanyahu on this occasion.
Trump reiterated that escalating tensions could derail the peace effort. 'Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike, and Iran had its strike. We don't need another one,' he said. The US president also urged Iran to return to the negotiating table, signaling that a deal is imminent.
