JERUSALEM / WASHINGTON: In a definitive statement altering the geopolitical calculus of the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that any future decision to launch renewed military strikes against Iran, or execute naval operations in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, rests entirely in the hands of US President Donald Trump.
"Iran Chapter Is Not Closed" – Netanyahu Tells CNBC
Speaking in a high-profile interview with American broadcaster CNBC, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that despite recent regional developments, the ongoing standoff with Tehran remains highly volatile. While noting that Iran’s strategic networks have been "significantly weakened," he warned that the theater of conflict remains fragile.
Netanyahu asserted that the operational green light for any full-scale military campaign targeting Iran would come directly from Washington. He maintained that both US and Israeli defense forces maintain a state of maximum combat readiness, waiting uniquely for executive clearance from President Trump.
Aligned on Disarming Hezbollah Despite Reported Friction
The Israeli Prime Minister sought to downplay rumors of deep systemic cracks in the US-Israel alliance. He reaffirmed that both administrations share a non-negotiable operational objective: the total disarmament of Hezbollah to guarantee a permanent security buffer between Israel and Lebanon.
Netanyahu noted that he engages in bilateral consultations with President Trump roughly every 48 hours. While acknowledging that tactical and operational disagreements frequently emerge during these high-level sessions, he insisted that both leaders consistently synthesize a unified baseline strategy.
Backroom Tensions: Trump Confirms Sharp Words Over Beirut Escalation
However, Netanyahu's public display of alignment stands in contrast to recent revelations from Washington. In an interview with the New York Post, President Trump confirmed that a highly contentious phone conversation took place between the two leaders earlier this week.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Trump used uncharacteristically harsh and direct language to reprimand his close ally, issuing a stern warning to Netanyahu regarding Israel’s persistent threats and airstrikes on Beirut, underscoring Washington's mandate for regional containment.