US President Donald Trump has said a decision on stopping the ongoing attacks on Iran will be taken “at the right time” and in consultation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In an interview to an Israeli newspaper, Trump alleged that Iran had planned to destroy Israel and also target countries in the region. He said the US and Israel had acted together and claimed they had struck the country that sought to destroy Israel.
Trump added that after the US carried out strikes, Israel may not need to continue attacking Iran on its own. However, he did not clearly commit to when or how a halt to the conflict would be announced, saying all factors would be considered.
The Israeli and US military action against Iran has entered its second week. While the White House had earlier indicated the war could last four to six weeks, Trump avoided making a definitive statement on a ceasefire.
In the same interview, Trump criticised Israeli President Isaac Herzog for not granting Netanyahu a pardon in cases involving bribery and fraud. In response, the Israeli President’s office said Israel is a sovereign nation governed by the rule of law and that any pardon request is being reviewed through the Justice Ministry.
