'They'll Do What I Tell Them': Trump Claims He Has Final Say On Israeli Action Against Iran

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 11:34 IST

Trump claims control over Israel's actions in Iran conflict, after US-led strikes killed Iran's Khamenei.

US President Donald Trump asserted strong control over the ongoing conflict with Iran, saying Israel would act in line with his decisions. The US President projected confidence that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would halt military operations whenever he chooses to do so.

“They’ll do what I tell them," Trump told Time magazine. “They’ve been a good team player. They’ll stop when I stop. They’ll stop unless they’re provoked, in which case, they’ll have no choice, but they’ll stop when I stop," he added.

The Republican leader’s comments mark a shift from an earlier interview with The Times of Israel, in which he had described any decision to end the war as a “mutual" understanding with Netanyahu.

The conflict escalated sharply after February 28, when a US-led offensive, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, targeted Iran. The operation also led to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, dramatically intensifying regional tensions.

Netanyahu Pushes Offensive As Trump Signals Possible Diplomatic Exit

A Time report detailed how the decision-making process was marked by uncertainty. Trump, reportedly angered by internal leaks, briefly paused the operation during a February 27 meeting before reversing his stance within hours. He then moved ahead with a smaller group of trusted advisers, authorising strikes later that night.

The report also highlighted Netanyahu’s push to sustain military pressure. During talks in Washington, the Israeli PM is said to have urged Trump to continue, warning that Iran could exploit any pause to further its nuclear programme. “We’ve come this far, Donald. We have to finish what we started," he reportedly said.

Despite the escalation, Trump acknowledged Iran’s endurance. “They’re able to withstand tremendous pain. So I respect them for that. The fact is, I think they’re better negotiators than they are fighters," he said, hinting at both frustration and a possible search for a diplomatic exit as domestic support for the war declines.

News world 'They'll Do What I Tell Them': Trump Claims He Has Final Say On Israeli Action Against Iran

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