Netanyahu said he had discussed new initiatives aimed at removing Iran’s leadership during a conversation with Trump on Sunday. According to the Israeli leader, the issue has been raised repeatedly in discussions between the two governments, reflecting their continued focus on Iran’s political and military future.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of a conflict that began on 28 February, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and American military bases in several Middle Eastern countries.
The confrontation quickly developed into a wider regional security crisis, with consequences extending beyond the countries directly involved.
One of the most significant developments was Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and international shipping routes.
The waterway plays a crucial role in global energy transportation, carrying substantial volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from major Gulf producers to international markets.
Disruptions to shipping through the strait contributed to uncertainty in energy supplies and volatility in global fuel prices. The situation also highlighted the vulnerability of international trade to military developments in the region.
With the conflict yet to reach a formal conclusion, Netanyahu’s latest comments have renewed speculation about whether Israel and the United States are considering another phase of military operations against Iran.
In a statement addressing his discussions with the American president, Netanyahu reaffirmed his determination to pursue political change in Tehran.
“We are committed to bringing down the Iranian regime. I have discussed this with President Trump many times, including yesterday,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli prime minister indicated that fresh initiatives concerning Iran had been discussed, although he did not disclose their nature or provide details of any potential military operation.
No timetable for further strikes was announced, and there was no public confirmation that a new offensive had been authorised.
His remarks nevertheless underscored the continued importance of Iran in Israel’s regional security calculations and its diplomatic engagement with Washington.
The statements coincided with an unannounced visit to Israel by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who met Netanyahu on Monday for discussions concerning Iran and broader regional security challenges.
The meeting attracted attention because of its timing, coming as the Israeli government publicly reiterated its commitment to removing Iran’s current leadership.
Doron Spielman, a spokesman for the Israeli prime minister, confirmed that the discussions took place at Ovda Air Base in the Negev desert in southern Israel.
Speaking to Reuters, Spielman said Netanyahu and Hegseth had discussed the partnership between the United States and Israel in confronting regional threats.
Their talks covered cooperation on both offensive and defensive military strategies, reflecting the importance of coordination between the two allies in addressing security challenges across the Middle East.
The United States and Israel maintain extensive military and intelligence cooperation, including collaboration on defence capabilities and responses to regional security threats.
Such cooperation has particular significance during periods of heightened confrontation with Iran, especially when military installations, strategic infrastructure and international shipping routes face potential threats.
However, Israeli officials did not disclose whether Netanyahu and Hegseth had reached any specific agreement concerning additional military action against Tehran.
The precise scope of their discussions and any operational decisions arising from the meeting remain unclear.
The Pentagon, meanwhile, made no public comment on Hegseth’s unannounced visit or his meeting with the Israeli prime minister.
The absence of an official statement from the US Defence Department has left uncertainty surrounding Washington’s immediate intentions and whether the discussions could result in further military measures.
Any renewed confrontation involving Iran would carry significant implications for regional stability.
Previous retaliatory attacks against Israel and American military facilities have demonstrated how hostilities can extend beyond the territory of the countries directly involved.
A further escalation could increase security risks for neighbouring states, particularly those hosting American military installations or situated close to strategically important transport routes.
International energy markets would also remain exposed to developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
As a major route for oil and gas shipments, the strait is particularly sensitive to military activity. Restrictions on maritime traffic could disrupt supplies, increase transportation costs and place additional pressure on countries dependent on imported energy.
The economic consequences of prolonged instability could therefore extend far beyond the Middle East, affecting international commerce and energy-importing economies.
Netanyahu’s latest remarks have also brought renewed attention to the distinction between political objectives and confirmed military plans.
Although the Israeli leader has openly expressed his commitment to removing Iran’s government, neither Israel nor the United States has publicly announced a new military campaign or disclosed specific operational arrangements.
The discussions between Netanyahu and Hegseth suggest that regional security cooperation remains a priority, but they do not establish that another attack has been approved.
For now, uncertainty continues to surround the next phase of the confrontation.
The decisions taken by Washington and Tel Aviv, together with Tehran’s response, are likely to influence whether tensions intensify further or opportunities emerge for a diplomatic resolution.
With the conflict unresolved and strategic shipping routes remaining a major concern, the possibility of renewed military action against Iran continues to cast a shadow over Middle Eastern security and international energy markets.
