President Donald Trump has publicly asserted his authority over US foreign policy as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalates war in the Middle East, declaring that he — not Israel — will determine the course of American negotiations with Iran.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said Netanyahu would have “no choice” but to accept a potential US-Iran deal being negotiated by Trump.
The remarks came hours after Iran launched missile attacks toward northern Israel in support of Hezbollah following Israeli strikes in Beirut.
Trump spoke with Netanyahu about an hour ago, after telling Axios that he would contact Netanyahu to encourage him not to retaliate against Iran while Washington seeks a deal with the country.
“I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn’t call the shots,” Trump said when asked by FT whether Netanyahu would support a possible agreement with Iran.
“He won’t have any choice.”
Trump also reiterated his belief that negotiations remain viable despite recent military exchanges.
The White House has been attempting to secure a framework limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities while avoiding a regional war that could draw in US forces
