Trump and Netanyahu discussed all options on Iran, including military action: Israeli official

A senior Israeli official said late Wednesday that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explored all possible measures to halt Iran's nuclear program during their meeting, including diplomatic efforts, economic pressure, and the use of force.

The official added at a press conference following the leaders' meeting at the White House on Tuesday that Netanyahu did not tell Trump that Israel prefers launching an attack on Iran.

Referring to Trump, the official said, "Ultimately, the decision is his." He added that Trump had three options, all discussed in detail: "a negotiated agreement, continued sanctions and economic pressure, and a large-scale military strike." The official noted that Netanyahu also presented new, unspecified ideas within these options.

Trump reportedly expressed frustration with Netanyahu before their meeting, complaining about a public leak regarding the prime minister's plans to discuss new intelligence about the Pikaks Mountain site, an underground facility linked to Iran's nuclear program that Trump had threatened to bomb.

The official dismissed any notion of tension over the issue, saying the allies share intelligence freely, and denied that Netanyahu pressured Trump to escalate military action against Iran, leaving the door open for a diplomatic solution.

At the same time, the Israeli official acknowledged that Trump is the "senior partner" and Netanyahu the "junior partner" in the allies' campaign against Iran.

The official said there are signs that Iran's clerical rulers are unsettled by rising inflation and growing public discontent, but noted that the impact on the global economy and oil markets was also a consideration.

Oil prices surged sharply on Wednesday in one of the biggest increases since the war began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint air campaign against Iran. Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and Gulf states.

Israel did not participate in the latest US bombing campaign, which lasted two weeks this month and prompted Tehran to fire on American bases in retaliation, but warned Tehran it would respond forcefully if attacked.

The official said Israel views Iran's nuclear program as its greatest threat and wants to ensure Tehran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Iran insists it is not seeking to build a nuclear bomb.