Trump's Reluctance: How Netanyahu Pushed the U.S. Closer to Conflict with Iran

Donald Trump did not want Israel to attack Iran. Now, Netanyahu has forced the American president deeper into the conflict.

– He pushed Trump into a very hard line against Iran, making a quick agreement impossible, says Carl Bildt to TV4's 'Nyhetsmorgon'.

Before Israel's major attack on Iran on Friday night, Donald Trump had repeatedly spoken hopefully about a deal with Iran to control the country's nuclear energy production. But as recently as Thursday, Trump said an Israeli attack "could very well happen."

– I want to reach an agreement with Iran, we are quite close. I don't want them to go in because it would ruin it, said Trump, according to CNN.

Trump's Demand Ignored

According to several media outlets, Trump had tried to get Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from such a swift and extensive attack.

– He didn't want them to attack now. He will support Israel because it is an ally, but he wanted more time, says a source within the presidential administration, to Politico.

According to Israeli media, Netanyahu and Trump had discussed the upcoming attacks. Trump had then demanded that Netanyahu avoid nuclear facilities, writes Haaretz. Netanyahu reportedly responded that Iran always needs to face a military threat.

Bildt: Just the Beginning

Former Prime Minister Carl Bildt believes that Netanyahu has long wanted to see a war with Iran and shift focus away from Gaza.

– The focus has been on Iran, and he has tried to get the U.S. into a confrontation with Iran several times but failed. I don't think Trump wanted this war, but Trump has allowed himself to be driven by Netanyahu into a situation where he could strike, says Bildt in 'Nyhetsmorgon'.

After the attack, Trump has backed Israel but kept the door open for negotiations with Iran. Carl Bildt finds it hard to see Iran returning to the negotiating table.

– This is not the end, this is just the beginning, he says to TV4 about the night's attacks on Israel.