Netanyahu Threatens Unilateral Action as US-Iran Tensions Escalate

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled a willingness to take unilateral action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, even as the United States and Iran approach an interim deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu denied allegations from U.S. Vice President JD Vance that Israel is manipulating American public opinion to derail peace negotiations, asserting that he alone sets government policy.

Simultaneously, President Donald Trump warned that Iran would be hit very hard if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened soon. While Trump claimed the two nations were engaged in very good discussions, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei denied any current negotiations. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the U.S. of practicing theater diplomacy, claiming that Washington's use of bullying and broken promises is a failed strategy.

Internal tensions have risen between the U.S. and Israel over Israel's reluctance to accept Gaza terms imposed by the Trump-sponsored Board of Peace and reports of Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Trump has criticized Netanyahu's attempts to keep the U.S. engaged in the war. Meanwhile, Iran's Acting Defence Minister Majid Ebn-e-Reza asserted that the Iranian Armed Forces are fully equipped to respond to any threat using indigenous technology.