Trump Says Netanyahu Will ‘Do Whatever I Want Him to Do’, Claims He’s in ‘No Hurry’ for Deal

President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will follow his lead on any potential military action against Iran, while making clear he is not rushing to reach a diplomatic agreement with Tehran. Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked what he had recently told Netanyahu regarding a possible strike on Iran.

“He’s fine, he’ll do whatever I want him to do,” Trump replied.

“He’s a very good man, he’ll do whatever I want him to do. And he’s a great guy… Don’t forget he was a wartime prime minister.”

Trump also defended Netanyahu against criticism over corruption charges in Israel, saying he is “not treated right.” In a lighter moment, Trump joked about entering Israeli politics himself.

“So maybe after I do this, I’ll go to Israel, run for prime minister,” he said.“I had a poll this morning. I’m right now at 99 per cent in Israel.”

No Rush on Iran Deal

Trump repeated that he is in no hurry to finalise any agreement with Iran, even as the month-old ceasefire shows signs of strain.

“We’d have to open the strait that would open immediately, so we’re gonna give this one shot. I’m in no hurry,” he said.

“Everyone is saying, ‘Oh, the midterms.’ I’m in no hurry… Ideally I’d like to see few people killed, as opposed to a lot.”

Trump had earlier announced he called off a planned strike on Iran that was set for Tuesday, following requests from Gulf leaders to give diplomacy more time. He has given vague timelines for progress, saying he could wait “two or three days” or “a limited period of time.”

Iran Warns of Wider Retaliation

Tehran has accused the U.S. of preparing fresh attacks. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any new aggression would trigger retaliation “beyond the region.” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is also leading negotiations, said recent moves showed Washington was still considering military options. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi making a second visit to Tehran this week for talks with Iranian officials. Pakistan has been mediating between the two sides.

Iran has submitted another proposal, but it largely repeats demands the U.S. has already rejected, including lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, paying compensation for war damage, and new arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains tense, with both sides continuing to balance threats of force and back-channel negotiations.