A leaked conversation reveals former U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against publicly calling for protests in Iran, fearing a “massacre.”
Netanyahu Proposed Public Appeal to Iranian Citizens
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly sought to encourage Iranians to take to the streets in protest against their government last week. Axios reported on the proposal, citing two U.S. officials and one Israeli source.
Netanyahu suggested a joint public appeal with Trump to the Iranian people, believing the Iranian regime was in a state of chaos and could be further destabilized.
Trump Warned of Potential “Massacre”
According to one U.S. official familiar with the conversation, Trump responded to Netanyahu’s proposal with skepticism, asking, “Why, the hell, would we encourage people to go out into the streets when they’re just going to get shot?”
Trump expressed concern that such an appeal would result in a “massacre,” given the violent suppression of previous Iranian protests, where thousands were killed between December and February prior to the recent conflict.
Israel Skeptical of Iran Deal
Israeli officials reportedly remain “very skeptical” about the possibility of reaching an acceptable agreement with Iran in the near future.
Trump Claims Iran “Begging” for Deal
On Thursday, Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that Iranian representatives are “begging for a deal” to end the conflict that began on February 28th. He accused them of prolonging negotiations and urged a swift agreement.
Trump criticized Iranian negotiators for inconsistent messaging, claiming they signal readiness for a deal while publicly stating they are still analyzing the U.S. proposal. He asserted that Iran has been “totally broken” militarily and lacks the capacity to rebuild its position.
Conflicting Reports on Negotiations
In recent days, Trump has suggested ongoing talks between U.S. and Iranian envoys regarding a potential end to hostilities, even describing them as “very good and constructive.”
However, Iranian authorities deny these claims, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announcing the continuation of fighting against Israel and the U.S., and rejecting reports of peace negotiations.