Trump Says End of Iran War Will Be Decided With Israel
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the decision to end the ongoing conflict with Iran will be taken in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During a brief phone interview with the Times of Israel, Trump explained that both leaders remain in contact as the conflict continues.
“I think the decision will be mutual to some extent. We have been talking. I will make the decision at the right time, and we will consider everything,” Trump said.
Coordination Between Washington and Tel Aviv
Trump indicated that discussions between Washington and Israel continue as the war develops. However, he did not provide a clear timeline for when the United States might stop its military operations.
When asked whether Israel might continue its strikes after the US ends its involvement, Trump dismissed the possibility. “I do not think that will be necessary,” he said.
Earlier, the White House suggested that the conflict could last between four and six weeks. Nevertheless, the situation has changed quickly in recent days, and Trump has repeatedly avoided setting a firm deadline.
Conflict Escalates Across the Region
Regional tensions have increased sharply since the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28.
The strikes reportedly killed more than 1,200 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military figures, and over 150 schoolgirls.
In response, Iran launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel across the region. Several Israeli cities have also come under attack. According to reports, at least six US service members have died in the fighting.
Furthermore, Iranian forces have reportedly used missiles carrying cluster munitions during attacks on Israeli territory, raising concerns about further escalation.
New Iranian Leader Emerges
Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced that it had chosen Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei.
Soon after the announcement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps publicly supported the appointment.
However, Trump questioned whether the new leader could maintain power without US approval. In a separate interview with ABC News, he said Mojtaba Khamenei “is not going to last long” unless Washington accepts his leadership.
The US president added that the United States wants to ensure long-term stability in the region and avoid repeating similar conflicts in the future.
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