US President Trump has declared that only “ignorance or stupidity” would get in the way of a peace deal between Israel and Iran following a chaotic 24 hours, which saw both sides launch missile strikes against one another.
The IDF attacked military targets in western and central Iran early on Monday morning in response to the Islamic Republic launching ballistic missiles at the Jewish state overnight.
The renewed hostilities prompted an angry response from Trump, who claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would have no choice but to accept any deal the US agreed with Iran.
In an interview with the Financial Times over the weekend, the president said: "He won't have any choice. I call the shots. I call all the shots. He [Netanyahu] doesn't call the shots."
He went on to insist the missile strikes would not derail negotiations saying the attacks "did not kick at all" and describing the conflict as something "that's been going for 3,000 years, or 47 years".
Later, he restated his position on his Trump Social media platform.
He wrote: “Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on “Peace” are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.
“The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a “Final Deal” is reached. Things should move quickly. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP “
Trump and Netanyahu held a call on Monday morning to discuss a response to the Iranian strikes after the latter reportedly defied a plea from the former not to retaliate.
However, despite previously saying it was preparing for “several days of strikes” against Israel, Tehran subsequently confirmed it was halting its military operation, with the caveat that any further strikes on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon would trigger a renewal of hostilities.
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran was initially struck in April, but the states have been unable to agree upon a long-term solution.
Trump had earlier told Fox News that if a deal failed "on its merits", a commando raid on Iran would be considered.
"It means two things. Number one, it would mean that possibly we would go in and take care of the rest of the place that we didn't take care of militarily,” he said.
“Or it would just mean that we would keep the blockade on Iran because the blockade has probably been more powerful than any attack that was ever made on that country."
Trump's comments about Netanyahu came after the contents of a heated phone call between the two leaders last week were leaked.
The US president reportedly told the Israeli leader: "You're f***ing crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me.
"I'm saving your a**. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”
This account was denied by Israeli officials but was later partially confirmed publicly by Trump himself.
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