US President Donald Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have to accept any agreement the US reaches with Iran, declaring "I call the shots" in an interview with the Financial Times. Trump's remarks followed Iran's launch of ballistic missiles at Israel, marking the most severe violation of the ceasefire agreement reached in April. The statement comes amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations following joint US-Israel strikes on Iranian sites on February 28 and Iran's retaliatory actions including shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Asserts Authority Over Iran Deal Negotiations
In the Financial Times interview, Trump said: "He won't have any choice. I call the shots. I call all the shots. He [Netanyahu] doesn't call the shots." Trump also told Fox News that he would advise Netanyahu against retaliatory action towards Iran. Trump maintained that Iran's missile strikes had not altered his determination to conclude US-Iran negotiations, stating: "It's not going to have any impact on the deal."
Iran Launches Missiles Following April Ceasefire
On February 28, the US and Israel conducted joint strikes on several Iranian sites. Iran struck back by targeting sites across the region and shutting down the Strait of Hormuz waterway. A ceasefire was agreed upon in April, but the nations have yet to reach a long-term peace deal. Iran's recent ballistic missile launch at Israel represents the most severe ceasefire violation to date.
Trump Threatens Military Action if Negotiations Fail
When asked what would happen if a deal failed "on its merits," Trump said a commando raid on Iran would be considered. "It means two things," he said. "Number one, it would mean that possibly we would go in and take care of the rest of the place that we didn't take care of militarily. Or it would just mean that we would keep the blockade on Iran because the blockade has been probably more powerful than any attack that was ever made on that country."
Trump and Netanyahu Hold Contentious Phone Call on June 1
Details of a heated phone conversation between Trump and Netanyahu emerged following their call on Monday, June 1. Trump allegedly told the Israeli leader during the call: "You're f*ing crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your a. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this."
FAQ
What did Trump say about Netanyahu's role in the Iran deal?
Trump stated in a Financial Times interview that Netanyahu "doesn't call the shots" and will have no choice but to accept any agreement the US reaches with Iran, emphasizing "I call the shots. I call all the shots."
What military action did Trump threaten if Iran negotiations fail?
Trump said two options would be considered: conducting a commando raid to "take care of the rest of the place that we didn't take care of militarily," or maintaining the blockade on Iran, which he described as "probably more powerful than any attack that was ever made on that country."
