Trump Resists Netanyahu's Push for War with Iran, Prefers Economic Pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pressuring U.S. President Donald Trump daily to resume attacks on Iran, but Trump has not heeded this pressure and is pursuing a different plan, according to reports. The Financial Times, citing a White House official, reported that Netanyahu is urging Trump to restart war with Iran, while some in the White House seek to prevent it. Trump prefers economically crippling Iran over new military strikes and has firmly conveyed this to Netanyahu. Middle East leaders, including Qatar's prime minister and nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are urging Trump to prioritize negotiations and avoid war. Trump has stated that Gulf countries want the current situation, including the naval blockade and Operation Iron Gate, to continue.