Netanyahu Praises Trump’s Tough Stance on Iran Amid Gulf Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to NBC on Sunday about the ongoing US-Iran tensions, emphasizing President Donald Trump’s dual approach of pursuing negotiations while being ready to use force if Iran violates agreements. Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the US joining efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which he said threatened both Israel and the United States.
Addressing violence by settlers in the West Bank, Netanyahu stated that Israel is a law-abiding state and prosecutes those who break the law. He noted that thousands of attacks by terrorists against Israeli civilians have occurred in the region and condemned a small group of about 150 lawbreakers not affiliated with the settler community.
The interview came amid heightened military confrontations between Iran and the US, including Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacks on American forces following attempts to open an illegal shipping route near the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported the shipping route remains open but highly risky. Qatar urged all maritime users to suspend voyages temporarily and condemned Iran’s attacks as dangerous escalations undermining regional stability. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry warned it reserves the right to respond to aggression under international law.
Iranian officials highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz over nuclear development, with Iran’s parliamentary speaker warning against unilateral agreements and demanding others honor their commitments or face consequences. The US Central Command announced a third round of strikes targeting over 140 Iranian sites, marking the largest wave of attacks so far. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Iran made a poor decision and is now paying the price.
In retaliation, Iran launched missile attacks on Gulf states, triggering air raid sirens in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, which reported three missiles falling on its territory without casualties. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as serious violations of its sovereignty and international law, warning that continued aggression dangerously escalates regional tensions and instability.
