Netanyahu Denies Trump Stopped Iran Attack, Recounts Offer to US
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports that U.S. President Donald Trump stopped a planned Israeli attack on Iran. Netanyahu stated the reports were untrue during a Channel 7 interview on October 22. He recounted offering Trump the chance to join an Israeli strike on Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, saying Israel would proceed alone if the U.S. declined. Netanyahu also claimed past Israeli strikes significantly damaged Iran's nuclear and military capabilities but warned the threat remains.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports that Donald Trump halted a large Israeli attack on Iran.
- Netanyahu stated Israel was prepared to act against Iran even without U.S. approval.
- He recounted offering Trump the chance to use B-2 bombers against Iran's Fordow facility.
- The Prime Minister claimed past Israeli strikes damaged Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure.
- Netanyahu warned that Iran's nuclear ambitions and the threat to Israel persist.
- The reports claimed Trump opposed the attack due to upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, October 22, denied reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had recently halted a large-scale Israeli attack on Iran. Responding to a question about a Financial Times article during an interview with Channel 7, Netanyahu stated, "This report does not correspond to reality." The article claimed Israel had prepared a major military operation against Iranian regime targets but abandoned it due to U.S. administration opposition.
According to the earlier report, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had prepared a multi-day bombing operation, intended to begin around October 10, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, power plants, and infrastructure. The Financial Times cited three sources familiar with Israeli plans who alleged the operation was primarily called off due to Trump's objections, as he reportedly wished to avoid escalating conflict before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3.
Netanyahu also discussed his past conversations with Trump regarding strikes on Iran, asserting Israel's resolve to act even without Washington's approval, stating, "Our existence is not a matter for negotiation." He explained his intention was to inform the U.S. president of planned operations, not to seek permission. During one meeting, Netanyahu presented Trump with an attack plan, suggesting the U.S. join the operation. He recounted telling Trump, "I will be very glad if you join. There is a bunker there in a place called Fordow. You can send B-2s there to strike. I will be very glad if you do this. If not, we will do it ourselves, but it will be more difficult for us. Decide."
Netanyahu stated Trump did not make a final decision at that meeting, but Israel continued its preparations. The U.S. later joined the military campaign on its tenth day. The Prime Minister claimed the strikes significantly damaged Iran's nuclear facilities, missile forces, and top military and scientific leadership. However, he warned that the threat from Iran persists, as Tehran has not abandoned its nuclear ambitions, despite weakened military and nuclear capabilities. "Israel is stronger than ever. Iran and its axis of evil are weaker than ever," Netanyahu declared, linking the ongoing threat to the continued existence of the regime in Tehran.
