Trump warned Netanyahu against further strikes on Iran and threatened to withdraw US support
US President Donald Trump has stated that he warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the risk of losing US support should the conflict with Iran escalate further.
In an interview with Axios, the US leader said that the Israeli side was preparing a large-scale strike against Iran, which was to be the largest since April. According to the publication’s sources within the Israeli government, the plan involved attacks on dozens of sensitive targets. The US administration was informed of the preparations for the operation shortly before it was due to begin.
Trump noted that he had previously received calls from the leaders of five Middle Eastern countries, who asked him to influence the Israeli leadership and persuade it to abandon the planned strikes.
“These countries were very concerned. They like the deal we are negotiating,” said the US president, referring to the negotiations with Iran.
According to Trump, his administration had also received a message from the Iranian side indicating a willingness to cease fire provided Israel did the same.
“They rang us and said they would no longer carry out attacks, and asked us to tell Israel not to launch any more strikes,” the White House chief stated.
Trump then spoke on the phone with Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him to refrain from further escalating the situation.
“I said: ‘Bibi, you need to be careful, otherwise you’ll be left all on your own very soon,’” the US president said.
According to Axios’ sources, differences arose between the parties during the conversation. However, the talks concluded with Netanyahu agreeing to call off the planned strikes, provided there were no new attacks from Iran, and instructing the military to cancel the prepared operation.
