Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a diplomatic agreement was not possible with the “savages” who rule Iran, as he praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent campaign of economic pressure. Netanyahu’s statements came after the Trump administration has declared an “economic D-Day” that aims to destroy Iran’s economy as part of the war launched by the United States and Israel against Tehran. Talking about a recent meeting with Trump, Netanyahu said they discussed the possibility of diplomacy with the Islamic republic but expressed doubt that an agreement can be reached “with that group there, with those savages.”
The Israeli prime minister also suggested he had a role in the new economic strategy against Iran and praised Trump for pursuing it in a “very, very, very strong way.”
Netanyahu has long been skeptical of diplomacy with Iran, openly campaigning against a 2015 nuclear deal brokered by then-U.S. President Barack Obama. But he has been publicly careful not to criticize Trump, who has also sought a negotiated settlement.
Netanyahu’s comments indicate that Israel favors sustained economic pressure on Tehran rather than a diplomatic settlement, potentially complicating prospects for renewed negotiations. The effectiveness of the strategy will depend on whether economic measures lead to changes in Iran’s position or instead contribute to further escalation. (AFP)
