Netanyahu Says Trump Sees Path to Iran Deal Leveraging Military Gains
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that former U.S. President Donald Trump believes recent U.S.-Israeli military achievements in Iran could be leveraged to secure a negotiated agreement protecting Israel’s interests.
Netanyahu, in a video statement, said Trump expressed this view during a recent conversation. “President Trump believes there is a chance to leverage the tremendous achievements of the IDF and the U.S. military in order to realise the war’s objectives in an agreement – an agreement that will safeguard our vital interests,” he stated.
The comments came as Israel continues strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and missile programs, as well as Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu reiterated that these strikes are “crushing” Iran’s capabilities and “inflicting heavy damage” on the Lebanese militant group. He also revealed that two Iranian nuclear scientists had been eliminated in recent days, stating, “this is not the end.”
Trump’s shift towards potential diplomacy followed an announcement of “very good” talks with an Iranian official. Axios, citing an unnamed Israeli official, identified the Iranian interlocutor as Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s Speaker of Parliament. However, Ghalibaf denied any negotiations were underway in a post on X.
The development occurred shortly before a planned ultimatum from Trump demanding Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, threatening military action against Iranian power plants if the demand wasn’t met. That ultimatum has since been postponed.
The evolving situation underscores a complex dynamic between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, as military pressure coincides with tentative diplomatic overtures. The stakes are high, with the potential for wider regional conflict and disruption to global energy supplies.
Published March 24, 2026, 3:17 am IST.