Media: Netanyahu influenced Trump’s Iran strike decision

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have played a role in U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision not to launch strikes against Iran, according to a report by Axios.

The outlet said Netanyahu warned Trump that Israel was not adequately prepared to defend itself against a potential Iranian retaliatory attack. He also argued that the United States lacked sufficient forces in the region to assist Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.

Axios reported, citing one of Netanyahu’s advisers, that the Israeli prime minister views the current U.S. plan as ineffective and unlikely to achieve its intended objectives.

The phone call between Trump and Netanyahu took place on January 14, at a time when U.S. airstrikes on Iran were widely expected. Axios also reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a separate phone conversation with Trump, opposed military action against Iran, citing concerns about regional security.

By Tamilla Hasanova