Netanyahu says Trump urges Israel to halt further attacks “President Trump asked us to hold off on future attacks”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that US President Donald Trump asked Israel to refrain from further attacks following a unilateral strike on Iranian gas infrastructure, adding that Israel is currently complying with that request.

Speaking at a press conference on March 19, Netanyahu stated that Israel had acted alone in targeting a gas facility in Asaluyeh, southern Iran, and confirmed that no additional strikes of this kind are planned for now. 

“President Trump asked us to hold off on future attacks, and we're holding out. We're wiping out their industrial base in a way that we didn't do before,” he said.

Addressing Iran’s military capabilities, Netanyahu claimed that Tehran currently lacks the ability to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles. He also said that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has little time left.

On Israel’s military actions, Netanyahu asserted that Israeli forces had destroyed the entire Iranian fleet in the Caspian Sea: “Their navy is lying at the bottom of the sea. Today, we hit the other part of their navy in the Caspian Sea.”

He acknowledged ongoing Iranian strikes against Israel, noting that they have caused casualties, damage, and injuries.

Discussing internal developments in Iran, Netanyahu said it is too early to determine whether the Iranian population will act on current conditions, though he indicated that efforts are underway to encourage such a scenario. 

Netanyahu also addressed geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of attempting to blackmail the world by threatening to block it. He said such efforts would fail and that Israel is supporting US-led initiatives to keep the passage open. He expressed confidence that reopening the strait would lead to lower global oil prices.

Rejecting claims that Israel had drawn the United States into conflict with Iran, Netanyahu questioned whether anyone truly believes Trump could be dictated to. 

“America is not fighting for Israel. America is fighting with Israel for a common goal to protect our future, to protect civilisation against these barbarians,” he stressed.

On alternative energy routes, Netanyahu proposed developing oil and gas pipelines running westward across the Arabian Peninsula directly to Israeli ports, describing the plan as feasible.

Referring to exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi, Netanyahu described him as “a force for good.” He also commented on Iran’s leadership, saying he is uncertain who currently governs the country and noted that Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly.

On the duration of the conflict, Netanyahu said he believes the war will end much sooner than many expect. However, he acknowledged that the Iranian regime could ultimately survive.

When asked whether Israel could continue the war without US support, Netanyahu declined to answer directly, saying only that the journalist had exhausted their questions.

He also suggested that political change in Iran cannot be achieved solely through air power, emphasising the need for a ground component, though he declined to elaborate on specific options.

In broader remarks, Netanyahu stated that Israel has, in some cases, become a global power. He also defended his previous statements, insisting he had not misled anyone.

Commenting on morality and power, Netanyahu said that being morally right is not sufficient, arguing that strength and ruthlessness ultimately determine outcomes.

He concluded by noting visible “cracks” within Iran and described his coordination with Trump as unprecedented, calling the US president a leader and himself his ally.

By Jeyhun Aghazada