Trump Says Israel’s Iran Strike Was Underway Before Call

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not defy him in the run-up to Israel’s reported strikes on Iran, arguing that the operation was already in motion by the time the two men spoke.

Trump made the comments in a brief phone call with Sarah Smith, described as the North America editor. Asked whether Netanyahu had ignored him by striking Iran on Sunday, Trump said the missiles were “already on their way” when he spoke with the Israeli leader.

Trump also said the call lasted just under one minute and focused on the timing of the Israeli military action.

Trump describes influence over Netanyahu

In the call, Trump portrayed his relationship with Netanyahu as highly responsive, saying, “if I tell him to do something, he does it.” The remarks were presented as evidence that Netanyahu was not acting in defiance of him.

The comments came as tensions in the Middle East remained elevated following the reported Israeli strikes on Iran.

Regional tensions and related reports

The broader backdrop includes separate reports of intensified Israeli strikes on Lebanon and an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait that resulted in one fatality and more than 60 injuries. The reports underscore the wider instability surrounding the Israel-Iran confrontation and its potential spillover across the region.

Further details on the scope of the strikes and any next diplomatic or military steps were not provided in the remarks, leaving the timing and trajectory of the confrontation as key points to watch.