Trump and Netanyahu Discuss All Options on Iran, Including Military Strike

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have held a meeting at the White House. They discussed all possible ways to control Iran’s nuclear programme, including diplomacy, economic pressure, and military force.

During the meeting, Netanyahu did not tell Trump that Israel now prefers further strikes against Iran, according to a senior Israeli official who briefed reporters after the meeting on Tuesday. “At the end of the day, it’s his decision,” the official said, referring to Trump.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump has three options: a negotiated deal, continued economic pressure and blockades, and a massive military strike. The official acknowledged that Trump is the “senior partner” while Netanyahu is the “junior partner” in the conflict with Iran.

The official noted there are signs that Iran’s rulers have been shaken by rising inflation and public frustration, but the impact on the global economy and oil markets is also a consideration. Global oil prices surged on Wednesday in one of the sharpest spikes since the war began on 28 February, following joint US-Israeli aerial bombing campaigns against Iran. Tehran retaliated with attacks on Israel and Gulf states.

Israel did not participate in the US bombing campaigns over the last two weeks of the month, which provoked Tehran to strike US military bases in response. However, Israel has warned Tehran it will retaliate forcefully if attacked.