Donald Trump confronts Netanyahu as US‑Iran tensions rise

President Donald Trump warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States remains in charge of any Iran settlement, saying “you know who’s in charge.” The statement came amid heightened Middle‑East tensions following the death of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Jamenei and renewed pressure on Tehran to resume nuclear talks.

Trump also hinted at the possibility of suspending the roughly $4 billion in annual US military aid to Israel, a move that could affect Israel’s fighter‑jet maintenance and ammunition supplies. Analysts note that while Israel’s missile stockpiles could sustain short‑term operations, a prolonged cut would force the Israeli defense establishment to reprioritise its campaigns in Lebanon, Gaza and elsewhere.

The dispute carries economic implications: any escalation that disrupts oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz could raise global energy prices and add pressure to inflation in Europe and other regions.