Trump, Netanyahu Discuss Iran Options
PHOTO CAPTION: FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump points his finger towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference after meeting at Trump?s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 29, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo
WASHINGTON, July 29 — President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed diplomacy, economic pressure and military force as possible ways to curb Iran’s nuclear program, a senior Israeli official said Wednesday.
The official spoke to reporters after Trump and Netanyahu met at the White House on Tuesday.
Netanyahu did not tell Trump that Israel preferred an attack on Iran, the official said.
“In the end, it’s his decision,” the official said, referring to Trump.
The official said three options were discussed at length: reaching an agreement, continuing the blockade and economic pressure, or launching what the official described as “a massive strike.”
The official said there were signs that Iran’s clerical leadership had been unsettled by rising inflation and public frustration.
The potential effect of further action on the global economy and oil markets was also discussed, the official said.
Oil prices surged Wednesday in one of their sharpest increases since the war began on February 28 with a joint Israeli-U.S. aerial bombing campaign in Iran.
Tehran responded with strikes against Israel and Gulf states.
Israel did not participate in the latest two-week U.S. bombing campaign this month, which prompted Iran to fire on American bases.
Israel has warned Iran that it would respond forcefully if attacked.
The United States and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed paramilitary groups in Iraq on Wednesday.
Trump also used profane language to vow a severe response against Iran for firing on U.S. troops days after he halted American airstrikes.
Iran confirmed overnight that it had fired on U.S. bases in Jordan and at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran also rejected an Omani proposal for Iran and Oman to jointly manage the strait.
(Source: Reuters)
