Trump Says He Will Urge Netanyahu Against Iran Strike

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Saturday he would instruct Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch a military attack against Iran, marking a significant intervention in escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The statement, made during a press briefing at the White House, represents a direct attempt by the U.S. administration to de-escalate the situation. Trump emphasized that the United States is not seeking a broader regional conflict and is committed to diplomatic solutions.

"I will tell him not to do it," Trump said, referring to Netanyahu. "We don't want a war with Iran. We want peace." The President added that he has spoken directly with Netanyahu regarding the matter and expects the Israeli leader to heed the American position.

The announcement comes amid heightened fears of a potential Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Intelligence agencies have reported increased military movements in the region, though details remain classified. The prospect of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran has raised concerns among U.S. allies and global markets.

The White House did not specify the nature of the threat that prompted the intervention or the specific intelligence that led to the President's decision. Administration officials declined to comment on the specifics of the conversation between Trump and Netanyahu, citing diplomatic protocols.

Netanyahu has not yet publicly responded to Trump's statement. Israeli officials have previously indicated that any military action would be a sovereign decision made in the interest of national security. The Israeli government has maintained that it reserves the right to act against threats to its existence.

The U.S. position underscores the delicate balance the administration is attempting to maintain between supporting a key ally and preventing a wider war. The President's intervention signals a shift in the diplomatic approach to the crisis, moving from behind-the-scenes pressure to a public directive.

Regional partners have expressed cautious optimism about the U.S. stance. However, the effectiveness of the intervention remains uncertain as long as the underlying tensions persist. The situation continues to evolve, with diplomatic channels remaining open but fragile.

Questions remain regarding the specific timeline for any potential Israeli action and the extent of Iranian preparations. The international community is watching closely as the situation develops, with the potential for rapid escalation still a concern. Further developments are expected as diplomatic efforts continue in the coming days.