Trump Says Israel Can't Survive Without the United States, Warns Iran of Attack if Talks Fail

[Financial News, New York = Reporter Lee Byung-chul]President Donald Trump gave Iran what he called a "last chance" in negotiations, while publicly pressuring Israel by saying it would not survive without the United States. The move made clear, on the eve of his summit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that Washington intends to lead efforts to reshape the Middle East order and the talks with Iran.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to Michigan on the 27th local time, President Trump said, "Frankly, we are being too good to a lot of countries that would not survive without us." He added, "You know which country that is? Israel." He went on to say, "When Bibi comes, I will tell him directly."
In an interview with Axios earlier, President Trump said, "We are in very deep negotiations with Iran," and warned that "if the talks fail, we will go back to very strong military action." He also made clear that the window for negotiations is limited, saying, "There is not much time. It will either end quickly or not happen at all."
The United States is currently pushing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume broader nuclear talks through mediation led by Oman, with Qatar, Pakistan and Egypt also taking part. President Trump said the large-scale strike on Iran that had been planned for the 25th was also postponed at the request of the mediating countries.
Iran, however, says it will not hold direct talks with the United States. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said, "There are no ongoing negotiations with the United States at present." He added, "Official talks are being held only with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz issue."
President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to meet at The White House on the 28th. Netanyahu wants continued pressure on Iran's nuclear facilities and regime beyond the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump is placing greater weight on negotiations, highlighting a clear difference in their views.
President Trump also addressed the issue of selling F-35 stealth fighter jets to Türkiye, saying, "Erdoğan is my friend," and adding, "No one can decide what the United States should sell." His remarks suggested the possibility of another clash with Israel, which has strongly opposed the sale.
Meanwhile, President Trump dismissed concerns raised by some over a possible U.S. ammunition shortage. "We have a lot of ammunition of various kinds," he said. "We are sending a lot of weapons to Ukraine and replenishing our stockpiles, but we have enough weapons to last through any situation."



[email protected] Reporter Lee Byung-chul Reporter