Don't strike Iran gas fields: Trump tells Netanyahu after attack rattles markets

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had personally told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to target Iranian gas fields again, after a strike by Israel sent shockwaves through global energy markets.

“I did. I told him, don’t do that, and he won’t do that,” Trump said in the Oval Office.

The remarks came a day after Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field. Iran retaliated by targeting Qatari energy sites, raising fears of a wider energy crisis.

Trump insisted earlier on social media that he “knew nothing” about the strike. However, US sources said Washington was aware of the operation, though it did not take part.

“You know, we’re independent. We get along great. It’s coordinated, but on occasion, he’ll do something, and if I don’t like it and so we’re not doing that anymore,” Trump said.

ENERGY MARKETS ON EDGE AS WAR PUSHES OIL PRICES HIGHER

The conflict, now nearing three weeks, has already pushed global oil prices up and unsettled markets.

Trump has held off on targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure directly, even as tensions rise. At the same time, he warned that the US would “massively blow up” the South Pars field if Iran continued attacking Qatar.

Tehran responded with a warning of “zero restraint” if its energy facilities were hit again.

$200 BILLION WAS ASK AND NO GROUND TROOPS

Trump also defended a proposed $200 billion military spending package linked to the conflict. “We’re asking for a lot of reasons, beyond even what we’re talking about in Iran,” adding that the military needs to be built up further to navigate “a very volatile world.”

“That’s a small price to pay to make sure that we stay tippy-top,” Trump said.

Earlier, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the $200 billion amount in supplemental funding for the war that the Pentagon reportedly requested "could move." "It takes money to kill bad guys," he said.

Meanwhile, Trump ruled out deploying US ground forces to Iran. “No. I’m not putting troops anywhere,” Trump said, while adding he retains the authority to act if needed.

TRUMP DRAWS PEARL HARBOUR COMPARISON

Trump also faced questions about why allies were not informed before the war began. “We didn’t tell anybody about it because we wanted surprise,” he said. He then added, addressing Japan’s prime minister: “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”

The reference drew attention given the historical weight of the 1941 attack.

UNCLEAR ENDGAME AS US AND ISRAEL DIFFER IN TONE

Trump has said the war aims to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to weaken its missile and naval capabilities. However, he has not detailed what comes next.

Israel has taken a clearer stance, with Prime Minister Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran.

Meanwhile, In a parallel move, the United States has approved arms sales worth $23 billion to key Arab allies as the conflict with Iran intensifies. According to notices sent to Congress on Thursday, the State Department cleared over $8 billion in air defence systems and related equipment for the United Arab Emirates. The package includes drones, air-to-air missiles and munitions for F-16 fighter jets.

Kuwait will receive $8 billion worth of missile defence and radar systems, while Jordan has been approved $70.5 million in aircraft and munitions support.

In addition, another $6 billion in sales to the three countries has been cleared. These did not require congressional notification as they involve modifications to earlier approved deals or commercial transactions.

A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that details of those additional sales have not been made public.

- Ends

With inputs from agencies

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