By Sabiu Abdullahi
United States President Donald Trump has said Israel would not exist today if he had not taken action against Iran, while rejecting claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persuaded him to confront Tehran.
Trump made the remarks during an appearance on the Pod Force One podcast, where he responded to suggestions that Netanyahu had influenced his decision to take a hard line against Iran.
“He tricked me? No. I’m the one that started it,” Trump said.
The US president stated that his actions were motivated by concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.
“I started it because we can’t let them have a nuclear weapon. If there wasn’t me, there would be no Israel right now,” he said.
His comments came amid reports of strained relations between Trump and Netanyahu following a recent telephone conversation about Israel’s military operations in the region.
Trump also confirmed that he had a tense exchange with the Israeli leader over the continuing conflict involving Lebanon.
In an interview published by the New York Post, Trump was asked about reports that he used strong language during a phone call with Netanyahu.
“You said, ‘Are you f-ing crazy? What are you f-ing doing? I helped you stay out of jail.’ Is that true? Did you speak to him in those terms?” the interviewer asked.
“I did,” Trump responded. “I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon.”
Trump said he urged Netanyahu to halt the hostilities.
“I said, ‘Bibi, we gotta stop this.’”
The comments highlight reported disagreements between the two leaders over Israel’s military actions, despite their long-standing political relationship. They also come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, where conflicts involving Israel, Iran and regional armed groups continue to draw international attention.