Trump says Netanyahu ‘will do whatever I want’ after long phone call with Israeli leader

Donald Trump has said Benjamin Netanyahu will do “whatever I want him to do” after the two leaders held a lengthy phone call over the war in Iran.

In a “dramatic” conversation on Wednesday, the pair are said to have clashed over whether to resume strikes in Iran or give negotiators more time to reach a deal.

The US president had been expected to relaunch military attacks imminently, but called off plans on Wednesday in order to give Tehran a chance to “give the right answers”.

Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12 following the call, Trump said he was in “no hurry” but that the US was prepared to strike if a deal was not agreed.

open image in gallery

"Believe me, if we don't get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We're all ready to go," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. Asked how long he would wait, Trump said: "It could ⁠be a few days, but it could go very quickly."

Speaking about Netanyahu’s stance on resuming military action, the US president said: “He’s a very good man. He’ll do whatever I want him to do. And he’s a great guy. Don’t forget he was a wartime prime minister.”

When asked if he is on the same page as the Israeli president, Trump replied: “Yeah”.

Both the US and Israel have said they draw a red line at Iran having a nuclear programme. Trump’s other demands include a surrender of the country’s uranium, which he has referred to as “nuclear dust”.

open image in gallery

Iran said on Thursday it was reviewing Washington's latest position on ending the war. Earlier the country’s Revolutionary Guards warned against ‌renewed attacks.

"If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will extend beyond the region ‌this time," it said in a statement.

Iran submitted its latest proposal to the US earlier this week. Tehran's descriptions suggest it largely repeats terms Mr Trump previously rejected, including demands for control of the Strait of Hormuz, compensation for war damage, lifting of sanctions, release of frozen assets and the withdrawal of US troops.

It comes as President Trump faces growing pressure over oil prices at home. Fellow Republicans in Congress are facing political headwinds ahead of November's midterm elections as gasoline prices skyrocket and global energy markets churn.

Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday advanced legislation seeking to force Trump to withdraw from the Iran war, with a growing number of Republicans defying the president in the 50-47 vote.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies