Trump claims 'good team player' Israel will 'do what I tell them' when it comes to Iran

Donald Trump also called Iran 'very tough' for resisting pressure during negotiations aimed at ending the conflict
PUBLISHED APR 3, 2026
President Donald Trump insisted during an interview that Israel will 'stop when I stop' (Win McNamee/Getty Images))
President Donald Trump insisted during an interview that Israel will 'stop when I stop' (Win McNamee/Getty Images))

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said that Israel would continue to follow his lead amid the ongoing US-Israel operation against Iran. He added that Israel would only stop its actions when he chooses to bring the conflict to an end.

In an interview with Time magazine on Thursday, April 2, Trump stressed that Israel remains aligned with the US and will act based on his instructions. He stated, “They’ll do what I tell them.”

President Donald Trump arrives from the Blue Room to speak about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)
President Donald Trump arrives from the Blue Room to speak about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

Trump says Israel will 'stop when I stop', praises Iran’s ability to withstand 'tremendous pain'

Trump has been actively speaking about the ongoing Iran situation. He continues to share updates, explain his decisions, and respond to questions on the matter.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 07: U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaks during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on April 7, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump is meeting with Netanyahu to discuss ongoing efforts to release Israeli hostages from Gaza and newly imposed U.S. tariffs. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump, accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaks during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on April 7, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Speaking with the magazine, he said that Israel would follow his lead, stating that “They’ve been a good team player. They’ll stop when I stop.” He also made it clear that Israel would act only if necessary, adding, “They’ll stop unless they’re provoked, in which case they’ll have no choice, but they’ll stop when I stop.”

People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday, February 28, 2026 (AP Photo)

Trump also spoke about Iran, calling the nation “very tough” for resisting pressure during negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. He further said, “The fact is, I think they’re better negotiators than they are fighters,” referring to Iran. 

He also expressed respect for Iran's ability to endure serious pressure, saying, “They’re able to withstand tremendous pain, so I respect them for that.”

Trump draws a line on AI use in lethal decision-making

Talking to Time magazine, Trump said he is ready to take strong action if needed. He also said he would not let AI make life-or-death decisions.

He stressed that such decisions must stay under human control, stating, “I wouldn’t allow AI to do it,” Trump says. “I respect AI. It’s a decision that a president has to make, assuming he’s competent."

President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn as he returns to the White House, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn as he returns to the White House on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Trump has taken a strong stance on Iran since the situation began. As the conflict entered its fifth week, the POTUS cautioned Iran that if negotiations do not happen quickly, tougher days could lie ahead.

In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump wrote, "Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!"

Sharing a video of a US strike destroying Iran’s largest bridge in another post, he warned, "Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!"

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

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