Netanyahu Denies Israel Was Surprised by US-Iran Diplomacy Amid Ongoing Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister's Assurance on US Coordination
Tel Aviv: Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has refuted claims suggesting that Israel was unprepared for the recent diplomatic overtures from Washington towards Iran. He emphasized that he maintains close communication with US President Donald Trump, ensuring that both nations are aligned in their strategies.
Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that he engages in frequent discussions with Trump, asserting, "We are in continuous contact with our friends in the United States. I speak with President Trump almost every day, and our teams communicate regularly, including today."
He mentioned that he has another call scheduled with Trump later that evening.
The Prime Minister declared that Israel is prepared for any situation regarding Iran, highlighting that both Israel and the US share a common objective: the elimination of enriched materials from Iran.
Israeli officials have expressed their backing for resuming military actions against Iran, citing ongoing concerns about its nuclear capabilities and missile arsenal, according to reports from a news agency.
Earlier on the same day, Trump issued a new ultimatum to Iran, demanding that it agree to a deal to conclude the conflict or face intensified bombing campaigns.
Trump noted that progress had been made in discussions with Iran and hinted that a potential agreement could be on the horizon, reiterating that Tehran must not possess nuclear weapons.
"They want to make a deal badly," Trump remarked to reporters at the White House. "We’ve had very productive talks over the last 24 hours, and it’s quite possible we’ll reach an agreement soon."
He dismissed claims that Iran was remaining obstinate, responding to a reporter's question with skepticism.
The President reiterated his firm stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear arms, stating, "They can’t have nuclear weapons, it’s very straightforward."
Trump also asserted that Iran's military capabilities had suffered significant damage throughout the conflict.
"They had a Navy with 159 ships, and now every ship is destroyed and lying at the bottom of the sea," he claimed. "They had an Air Force with numerous planes, and now they have none."
He further alleged that Iran's anti-aircraft systems, radar capabilities, and missile inventories had been largely obliterated.
"Their leaders are all dead. So, I think we won," Trump concluded.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Trump maintained that diplomatic avenues remain open, suggesting that if hostilities ceased now, Iran would require decades to rebuild its military strength.