Israeli PM backs Trump’s new economic pressure campaign against Tehran, says agreement with Iran’s leadership cannot be reached
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out the possibility of a diplomatic agreement with Iran’s leadership, describing those governing the Islamic Republic as “savages” while expressing support for US President Donald Trump’s intensified economic pressure campaign against Tehran.
Speaking at an event late Tuesday at an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said he had recently discussed the possibility of diplomacy with Iran with Trump but remained deeply sceptical that negotiations could produce an agreement.
“I doubt, however, that an agreement can be reached with that group there, with those savages,” Netanyahu said, according to a report carried by AFP. He added that he believed “an agreement cannot be reached.”
Netanyahu Backs Trump’s Economic Pressure
Netanyahu also welcomed Washington’s latest economic measures against Iran, which the Trump administration has presented as a major escalation of its pressure campaign.
The United States has launched Operation Economic Outcast, imposing new sanctions targeting dozens of Iran-linked entities and warning countries and businesses involved in trade with Tehran that they could face consequences.
The campaign is intended to increase pressure on Iran’s economy and force Tehran to make concessions on issues including its nuclear programme and regional activities.
Netanyahu said he had previously discussed what he described as a “third option” with Trump and praised the US president for taking a stronger approach toward Iran.
He also argued that pressure should extend beyond Iran itself to those helping sustain its government and economy.
Longstanding Opposition to Iran Diplomacy
Netanyahu has for years taken a hard-line position toward Iran and has been particularly critical of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
He openly opposed the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, negotiated during Barack Obama’s presidency, arguing that the accord did not adequately prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons capability.
His latest comments come as Washington and Tehran remain locked in a broader confrontation following months of military and economic pressure.
Iran Under Growing Economic Pressure
The Trump administration's latest campaign comes as Iran faces severe economic difficulties following years of sanctions and the continuing conflict.
The US measures have targeted Iranian-linked entities and expanded pressure on foreign companies and countries maintaining economic relations with Tehran. China, Iran’s largest oil customer, has emerged as a particularly important factor in determining how effective the new sanctions campaign will be.
Iran, however, has rejected the US pressure campaign and said it is prepared to withstand additional sanctions.
The confrontation has also had wider implications for global energy markets because of the continuing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transit routes.
Diplomatic Options Remain Uncertain
Netanyahu's comments underline the deep divide over whether diplomacy can still provide a way out of the confrontation.
While the Israeli leader argues that Iran's current leadership cannot be trusted to reach a meaningful agreement, Tehran has continued to reject what it describes as excessive US demands and has maintained that political negotiations remain possible under acceptable conditions.
The latest developments therefore leave Washington facing a difficult balance: increasing economic pressure on Tehran while avoiding a further escalation that could widen the regional conflict.
For Netanyahu, however, the message remains clear—he does not believe the current Iranian leadership can be brought to a lasting diplomatic agreement.
— AALIMI NATION | International Affairs Desk
