US President Donald Trump has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have “no choice” but to accept any agreement negotiated between the United States and Iran, underlining Washington’s dominant role in ongoing diplomatic efforts despite renewed tensions in the Middle East.
In a telephone interview with the Financial Times, Trump asserted that the final say on any potential arrangement with Tehran would rest with the United States.
“He won’t have any choice. I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn’t call the shots,” Trump said, referring to Netanyahu.
The remarks come at a sensitive moment as the region faces renewed security concerns following Iran’s latest missile attack on Israel, raising fears of a wider escalation despite efforts to maintain diplomatic engagement.
Trump Insists Iran Missile Attack Will Not Derail Negotiations
Trump made it clear that the Iranian missile launches would not alter his objective of securing a negotiated understanding with Tehran.
“It’s not going to have any impact on the deal,” Trump said, signalling that Washington intends to continue pursuing diplomatic channels despite the latest military developments.
His comments followed reports that he spoke with Netanyahu after Iran launched ballistic missiles towards Israel on Monday. According to reports, Trump urged the Israeli leader not to retaliate against the strikes, seeking to prevent a broader confrontation that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The latest exchange marks the first Iranian missile attack on Israel since a ceasefire agreed in early April. The attack has raised questions about the durability of the truce and the prospects for regional stability.
Israel Activates Defence Systems After Iranian Missile Launch
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that missiles had been launched from Iran towards Israeli territory and said air defence systems were activated to intercept the threat.
“Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. The IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said in a statement.
The Israeli Air Force also issued public safety instructions through the Home Front Command, urging residents in affected areas to move into protected spaces and remain there until further notice.
“The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the directives – they save lives,” the military said, adding that citizens should stay in shelters until receiving explicit instructions permitting them to leave.
According to reports, no casualties or significant damage were immediately reported following the attack.
Regional Tensions Remain High Amid Cross-Border Strikes
The missile launches come against a backdrop of heightened tensions across the region. On Sunday, Israel carried out strikes on what it described as terrorist headquarters in Beirut’s Dahieh district after Hezbollah allegedly fired projectiles towards Israeli territory.
The developments highlight the fragile security situation facing the Middle East, where multiple flashpoints involving Israel, Iran and Iran-backed groups continue to threaten regional stability.
Trump’s insistence on maintaining negotiations with Iran despite the latest violence underscores the administration’s effort to balance diplomacy with security concerns. However, his remarks regarding Netanyahu’s role are likely to draw attention given the traditionally close strategic relationship between Washington and Israel.
As diplomatic contacts continue and military tensions remain elevated, international observers will be closely watching whether the ceasefire can hold and whether US-led negotiations with Iran can progress amid renewed hostilities.
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