Trump Says War With Iran Decision Tied to Netanyahu’s Input

President Donald Trump stated that the decision regarding the end of a potential war with Iran will be determined in conjunction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While maintaining that the final decision rests with him, Trump continues to prioritize Netanyahu’s perspective in ongoing discussions.1

Mutual Decision-Making

“I feel it’s a mutual decision to some extent. We continue to discuss. I will create a decision at the appropriate time, but all considerations will be taken into account,” Trump said in an interview with the Times of Israel on Sunday, March 8, 2026.1 He emphasized the potential for Iran to destabilize the region, stating, “Iran will destroy Israel and the region around it. We are working together. We have destroyed a country that wants to destroy Israel.”1

US-Israel Joint Strikes

The comments followed joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran launched on February 28, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of key Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Defense Minister Amir Hatami, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Mohammed Pakpour.1

Succession in Iran

Shortly after the strikes, Iranian state media announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the next supreme leader. Trump responded to this development, stating that the new leader “won’t last long” without White House approval.1

War Duration

While Trump avoided setting a firm timeline for the conflict, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that the conflict was expected to last between four and six weeks.2 When questioned about the possibility of Israel continuing the war independently should the U.S. Cease its attacks, Trump declined to comment.1

Netanyahu’s Influence

Trump’s statements underscore the significant influence Prime Minister Netanyahu holds over U.S. Decision-making regarding the war.4 The coordinated attacks demonstrate a strong alliance between the two leaders.4